MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYAND

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER(Theater)

Battlemind Training System OfficeU.S. Army Medical Department Center and School

UNCLASSIFIED

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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.

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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 can’t 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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Combat and Operational Missions

SIGNIFICANTCombat Experiences

MULTIPLEOperational Experiences

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Combat and Operational Missions

SIGNIFICANTCombat Experiences

MULTIPLEOperational Experiences

POST COMBAT STRESS

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PDHRA Battlemind Video

Flashback Example

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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.

• 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 ActionsLeader 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!!

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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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• 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

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• Military One Source: – 1-800-342-9647– www.militaryonesource.com

• Veterans Affairs (VA)– Health Care: 1-877-222-8387– PTSD Information Line (802) 296-6300

Assistance for Soldiers and Families

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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?