Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Military

With nearly 140,000 people, California has more people in the armed forces than any state in the nation, according to the 2000 US Census Bureau.

There will be an increase in injured troops returning to California and support is needed to assist them.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the “signature injury” of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In wars where blasts from roadside bombs are prevalent, the injuries can range from mild concussions to severe head wounds.

According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, a research and treatment agency run by the Pentagon and Veterans Affairs Department, 64 percent of injured troops have suffered brain injuries.

In April 2008, the RAND Corporation released the report titled “Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery.” It was sponsored by a grant from the California Community Foundation and completed by 25 researchers from RAND Health and the RAND National Security Research Division.

RAND Researchers Found

• About 19 percent — or some 320,000 services members — reported that they experienced a possible traumatic brain injury while deployed.
• About 7 percent reported both a probable brain injury and current PTSD or major depression.
• Only 43 percent reported ever being evaluated by a physician for their head injuries.

Now, more than ever, support is needed for military members with TBI.

TBISCA Recommends

• Ensuring continued TBI screening for all military returning from combat.
• Increasing availability and access to on-going community based services.
• Increasing Case Management services to survivors of TBI.
• Expanding efforts to educate the public about TBI.