Traumatic brain injuries are a significant health problem affecting military personnel and veterans in times of peace and war. The high rate of explosion-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions resulting from ongoing combat operations directly impacts the health and safety of individual service members and, therefore, unit readiness and troop retention . The impacts of the TBI are felt within every branch of the service.
Active duty and reserve members are at increased risk of sustaining traumatic brain injury compared to their civilian peers. This is the result of several factors, including the specific demographics of the military; In general, young men aged 18 to 24 are at greatest risk for head trauma. Many operational and training activities common in the military are physically demanding and even potentially dangerous. To get an idea of the number of TBIs suffered by each branch, each year since 2000, consult the DoD TBI Global Numbers page.
If you or a service member you care for is looking for more information about TBI, visit Resources for patients and families page — you’ll find fact sheets, caregiver guides, and other patient resources. Review them with a medical provider as you work toward your recovery or assist in the recovery process of a service member, veteran, or family member.
Recent attention has been intensely focused on combat-related head injuries. It should be noted that head injuries are not uncommon, even in garrison, and can occur during normal daily activities. Military personnel enjoy exciting leisure activities: they ride motorcycles, climb mountains, and skydive from airplanes for leisure. In addition, physical training is an integral part of the daily life of the active duty soldier. These activities are expected for our military and contribute to a positive quality of life; but these activities can also increase the risk of TBI.
To learn more about how to protect yourself in non-combat activities of daily living, see our A head for the future initiative. Here you’ll find basic information about TBI, fact sheets to guide you in protecting your head during sports and recreational activities, and read personal stories of recovery from TBI.
Register for Updating TBI Resources email for the latest information and resources on TBI for military members, veterans, their caregivers and families.
By jzaqhzmy
