MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (Theater) Battlemind Training System Office U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School UNCLASSIFIED

2 BRIEFING OUTLINE 1.Mild Traumatic Brain Injury 2.Post Combat Stress 3.Soldier and Leader Actions PURPOSE: To provide information on the effects of mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder.

3 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 can’t see it)

4 mTBI Video

5 mTBI Not Just Combat Related

6 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

7 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

8 What to Look For? PhysicalBehavioralEmotional 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

9 SIGNIFICANT Combat Experiences MULTIPLE Operational Experiences

10 SIGNIFICANT Combat Experiences MULTIPLE Operational Experiences POST COMBAT STRESS

11 PDHRA Battlemind Video Flashback Example

12 Nightmare Example PDHRA Battlemind Video

13 Who is at Risk? EVERYONE

14 Concussion vs Post Combat Stress ConcussionCommon 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

15 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. 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.

16 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!! 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!!

17 Soldier as Leader Conduct Individual Risk Assessment Lead By Example You are the key link to make the difference!

18 Soldier Support PDHRA Battlemind Video

19 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 Assistance for Soldiers and Families

20 Military One Source : – – Veterans Affairs (VA) –Health Care: –PTSD Information Line (802) Assistance for Soldiers and Families

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

23 QUESTIONS?