MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (Theater)

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MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYANDPOST TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER(Theater)

• Battlemind Training System Office
• U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School

UNCLASSIFIED
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BRIEFING OUTLINE
PURPOSE To provide information on the effects
of mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic
stress disorder.

1. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
2. Post Combat Stress
3. Soldier and Leader Actions

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What is mTBI?

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
• Type of concussion
• Results from a blow to the head
• Does NOT result in obvious physical injury (you
  cant see it)

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mTBI Video
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mTBI Not Just Combat Related
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QUESTIONS on Concussions?

• Summary
• May be caused by
• blast/explosions, motor vehicle crashes, falls or
  any direct blow to the head
• You don't have to be knocked out to have a mTBI.
• You may be dazed, confused, or had your "bell
  rung"
• If you are knocked out it is for less than 30
  minutes
• Most common symptoms after mTBI
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Memory problems
• Irritability

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What is Post Combat Stress?

• Post Combat Stress
• Long term reactions to combat and operational
  exposure
• Can impact quality of life
• Can result in a diagnosis of Post Traumatic
  Stress Disorder

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What to Look For?
Physical Behavioral Emotional
Fatigue Chest Pain Weakness Sleep Problems Nightmares Breathing Difficulty Muscle Tremors Profuse Sweating Pounding Heart Headaches Withdrawal Restlessness Emotional Outbursts Suspicion Paranoia Loss of Interest Alcohol Consumption Substance Abuse Anxiety or Panic Guilt Fear Denial Irritability Depression Intense Anger Agitation Apprehension
List not all inclusive
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Flashback Example
PDHRA Battlemind Video
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Nightmare Example
PDHRA Battlemind Video
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Who is at Risk?

• EVERYONE

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Concussion vs Post Combat Stress
Concussion Common Symptoms Post Combat Stress
Physical Injury Immediate Symptom Presentation Generally improve quickly with time BOTH ARE TREATABLE!! Emotional Reaction to Traumatic Event(s) Delayed Symptom Presentation May require long term assistance
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Soldier Actions

• All Soldiers
• Check in with yourself and your buddies to see
  how you are doing and handling the stress
• Make time for yourself and your buddies
• Be honest about how combat / operational stress
  has affected you
• Communicate needs to Leaders
• nobody needs to go it alone.

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Leader Actions

• mTBI (Concussions)
• Ensure that Soldiers who may have had Concussion
  are medically evaluated as soon as possible after
  the injury
• Post Combat Stress
• Support and reinforce treatment and recovery
• If your gut tells you a Soldier needs help, get
  help
• Good Health is essential for mission success!!

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Soldier as Leader

• Conduct Individual Risk Assessment
• Lead By Example
• You are the key link to make the difference!

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Soldier Support
PDHRA Battlemind Video
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Assistance for Soldiers and Families

• The Army has established numerous ways for
  Soldiers and Families to get help for mental
  health issues
• Unit - Chaplain / Leadership / Buddy
• Post - Troop Medical Clinic
• Mental/Behavioral Health Services
• Off-post Mental Health professional

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Assistance for Soldiers and Families

• Military One Source
• 1-800-342-9647
• www.militaryonesource.com
• Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Health Care 1-877-222-8387
• PTSD Information Line [phone]

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Summary

• Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
• Post Combat Stress PTSD
• Soldier and Leader Actions
• Assistance Resources for Soldiers Families

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QUESTIONS?