| Veterans and Traumatic Brain Injury |
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The Facts: TheApril 2008, Rand Corporation study reports approximately 1.64 million U.S. troops have deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also found that 19.5% of United States military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan reported possible traumatic brain injuries (TBI's). Researchers called the prevalence of TBI "a major health crisis".
White River Junction VA Polytrauma Referrals(April 2007 - September. 2008):
Although TBI has been called the signature injury of the Global War on Terror, it is not a new condition, and it is not unique to those serving in the military. In prior conflicts, approximately 12% - 14% of surviving casualties had a TBI. The Primary Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are:
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person’s brain is physically injured, usually by a sudden force. With military members, this is often the result of a concussive blast or explosion. It can also be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or any sudden blow to the head. Because the damage is internal, there may be no visible head wound.
Yes. As the figures above suggest, there is a wide range in severity depending on the circumstances of the injury. Some people who experience a TBI can recover completely without medical intervention. On the other end of the scale, some people will have permanent and total disability. Any brain injury, whether mild, moderate, or severe, can temporarily or permanently diminish a person’s physical abilities, impair cognitive skills, and interfere with emotional and behavioral well being. Because of this, anyone who feels there is a possibility they may have a TBI should be seen by a doctor.
Every brain injury is unique and symptoms can vary widely. Damage to different parts of the brain will result in different symptoms. TBI shares symptoms with other physical and mental health conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which complicates diagnosis. Below are some of the symptoms. Having some of them, however, does not necessarily mean a person has TBI. Only a doctor can definitively identify and diagnose a TBI.
Common Symptoms Later On
PTSD vs. TBI Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur as the result of exposure to events that involve actual or threatened death, intense fear, extreme stress or violence, or feeling helpless. You may have been exposed to these events daily. There are similarities and differences between PTSD and TBI. Common symptoms of PTSD include irritability, depression, sleep problems, feeling jumpy, difficulty concentrating, inability to recall details of the trauma, reliving the trauma, avoiding close contact with family or friends, flashbacks, and feeling detached or disconnected from emotions. How Do I Find out if I Have a TBI? There are two steps to finding out if you have a traumatic brain injury:
1. TBI Screening The first step is screening to find out if you if you have experiences or symptoms that indicate you may have a TBI. This is a verbal logical test. The screener will ask a series of “Yes” or “No” questions, which usually takes about 5 minutes to complete. There are two possible outcomes of the screening: “I do not have TBI” or “I should be evaluated by a doctor to determine if I have TBI.” When you are referred to a doctor, it does not mean you have TBI. It only means that you are in a higher risk category for having TBI, and you should be examined by a doctor.
2. Medical Diagnosis By a Doctor If you screen positive for TBI, we recommend you contact the White River Junction VA Medical Center’s Polytrauma Support Clinic. They will help you make arrangements to see a VA doctor to make a more definitive diagnosis. Again, if you would rather go see a doctor that is not affiliated with the VA or the military, you can get information from the Brain Injury Association and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. White River Junction VA Medical Center (802) 295-9363 Toll Free (866) 687-8387 WRJ VA Medical Center Polytrauma Support Clinicx5362 or x5201 Brain Injury Association of Vermont (877) 856-1772 State of Vermont Traumatic Brain Injury Program (802) 241-1456
Who Should Be Screened For TBI? Veterans should be screened for TBI if they experienced any of the following during their service:
I Already Know I have a TBI, Who Can Help Me? As you can see from above, there are a variety of programs in the state that can help you. If you have a diagnosis from a medical doctor that you have TBI, you should take advantage of whatever programs are best suited for your particular situation. Regardless of who you choose to provide care, Veterans with a TBI should make contact with the VA Polytrauma Clinic and the Brain Injury Association of Vermont. That way they will stay informed of the resources available and will have a broader support network. Because every TBI is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for treatment.
The White River Junction VA Polytrauma Clinic is developing a Mobile Polytrauma Team to better serve Veterans who live a significant distance from White River Junction. The new Mobile Polytrauma Team will consist of two Social Workers, a Neuropsychiatrist, a Neuropsychologist, a Physiatrist, a Speech Therapist, and Administrative Support. On February 10, 2009, letters were mailed to Veterans who recieved Polytrauma Services prior to this date, explaining the program. If you did not receive this letter, you can download it by Clicking Here.
The VA Colchester Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at Fort Ethan Allenstarted a Head Injury Recovery Group on February 9, 2009. The group is held every Monday from noon - 1:00 pm. Anyone who has had a head injury or concussion and has cognitive complaints (even if it is suspected that they are more PTSD related) and is eligible for VA services as a vet or through the sharing agreement is eligible to attend. This is an open education, support & skill-based group for veterans who were either exposed to a blast(s) or other head injury and are experiencing symptoms that may include: fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, dizziness, blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, irritability, apathy, concentration problems, attention problems, memory problems, intolerance of stress/emotion or alcohol, and/or personality change. Some of the topics that will be covered are: education about head injury and recovery, how to take care of yourself post-injury (including relaxation training), additional skill-based sessions to address problems with emotion regulation, attention, memory, concentration, and organization. If you have an interest in this group, but are not able to make this group and/or would like to have a similar group like this available at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, please call Dr. Lisa Harmon at 802-295-9363 extension 6033. Click Here to download the flyer.
The Brain Injury Association of Vermont has severalBrain Injury Support Groups and Veterans and their family membersare encouraged toattend. We alsohave aToll-free Helpline Veterans and their family members can call to get information, referral and support (877)856-1772. Professionals are also encouraged to call us! How Can I Learn More About TBI? In addition to the programs mentioned above, other resources are available to learn more. Here area fewwe’ve found helpful:
To see our complete list of our Veterans Web Links, Click Here For more information on brain injury call our Toll-Free Helpline: 1-877-856-1772
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urton Snowboards and the BIAVT team up in support of Kevin Pearce