Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

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Traumatic Brain Injury andPosttraumatic Stress
Disorder

• By
• Angela I Drake, Ph.D.
• Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
• www.dvbic.org
• Defense Center of Excellence
• www. dcoe.health.mil

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Differences and similaritiesbetween PTSD and TBI
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Mild TBI/Concussion Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Dizziness/Balance problems
• sensitivity to light or noise
• Changes in vision and hearing
• Fatigue/Sleep disturbances

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Mild TBI/Concussion Cognitive Symptoms

• Forgetting
• Poor concentration
• Changes in speech
• Slowed thinking and behavior
• Poor organizing/follow-through

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Mild TBI/Concussion Behavioral Symptoms

• Personality changes
• Mood swings
• Apathy
• Irritability
• Impulsivity

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PTSD/TBI Overlapping Symptoms

• Sleep disturbances/insomnia/fatigue
• Irritability/anger/aggression
• Problems thinking and remembering
• Changes in personality/mood swings
• Withdrawal from social, work, family
• activities
• Hypersensitivity to noise

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PTSD/TBI Distinctive Symptoms

• Concussion
• Headaches
• - Dizziness/vertigo/
• balance problems
• Reduced alcohol tolerance
• Sensitivity to light

PTSD Flashback/ intrusive memories
Increased startle response Hyper-vigilance,
physiological arousal Nightmares, night terrors
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We have a voice!

• So, before analyzing, classifying (symptoms),
  before thinking, before trying to do anything
  we should listen..just listen!
• Jonathan Shay, Achilles in Vietnam

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Open Discussion

• Voice your opinion on differences between TBI and
  PTSD
• What do you want people to know?