Resources for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury

by | May 22, 2022 | Veterans

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are injuries that happen to the brain from a some sort of blunt force to the head or body that causes movement of the brain inside the cranium. TBIs can be mild, also known as mTBIs or concussions. mTBIs are very common, but they can have very negative sequelae. TBIs are even more dangerous because they can lead to severe brain deficits. Veterans are at very high risk for TBI due to the nature of combat and potential explosions. When they return, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of TBIs, as well as the available resources for them.

What is a TBI?

TBIs result from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object that goes through the brain can also cause a brain injury, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull. mTBIs can affect the brain more temporarily, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea/vomiting, and dizziness, to name a few. Multiple mTBIs can have severe long-term consequences and so can TBIs. One severe consequence is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is a progressive brain condition caused by repeated TBIs.

CTE can cause severe personality changes, depression, suicidality and homicidality. Famous individuals, such as Aaron Hernandez are examples of the extent to which CTE can negatively impact one’s life. Although it’s an irreversible disease, there are some ways to prevent severe negative consequences. Below is a list of some possible resources for veterans with TBIs.

Government treatment centers

The VA has a national treatment of TBIs called Polytrauma/TBI System of Care throughout the US that provides state-of-the-art TBI diagnosis and rehab. It is composed of four components:

These are all places where veterans can receive help for their TBIs that are supported by the government.

For those on the east coast, there is a National Intrepid Center for Excellence that helps members and their families manage TBIs and psychological health. They use holistic and interdisciplinary approach to care by using cutting-edge diagnostic evaluation, individualized treatment planning, clinical care and research. There is also an outpatient option available that consists of a 4-week intensive outpatient care program.

These are just a few of the government supported programs, but by participating in these, veterans are able to receive help from an organization that supports them in so many other ways.

Nonprofit organizations

Nonprofit organizations also provide many resources to veterans. One is called the Veterans Community Project. Their mission is to not let anyone fall through the cracks, and serving those who serve the county.

The American Legion also has good resources for veterans with mTBIs and TBIs. Their website includes information on how to apply for enrollment and what community-based outpatient clinics they have available.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is another non-profit organization that provides extensive support to veterans with a variety of needs. There is also updated news on their website pertaining to mTBIs.

Clinical Trials

Brain research is extensive, but very hard and expensive to do. It’s difficult to analyze someone’s brain while they are alive, but then the brain changes quickly after death and you cannot research brain function either. However, clinical trials are a way for individuals to potentially receive help while also providing much needed research for individuals in the future.

One clinical trial is photobiomodulation (light therapy). The Boston VA research Institute, Inc. and the VA Boston Healthcare System are recruiting for a study investigating if light therapy can improve thinking and memory in people with one or multiple TBIs. Light therapy is transcranial so you where the device on your head for 20 minutes, 3 times a week You can do this study from anywhere as it is fully remote and the device is mailed to your home. Eligible participants are those that have suffered a mild or moderate TBI at least six months ago and have had repeated head trauma.

There is also an app that is available called CBT-i app for military members with insomnia and TBI. This clinical trial is enrolling 200 service members to test out how well an app works for cognitive behavioral therapy – insomnia. This is a type of therapy that aims to change behavior by influencing how you think about it. Those with TBIs often have trouble sleeping, so this app is designed to assist with that without requiring you to go to or spend money on a therapist.

Websites

If you are the veteran or a family member, it’s important to know where to find resources to help yourself and/or loved ones who may be struggling with TBIs. One great website is The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence which is an in-depth website created by the Military Health System. It has a lot of information for providers, patients, advocates and more.

The Air Force Center for Excellence for Medical multimedia also is another great resource with in-depth information about traumatic brain injuries.

Mental Health: Effects of TBI is a website provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for those dealing with prolonged symptoms of concussions and TBIs of any severity. Many individuals experiencing these issues will experience mental health symptoms as wells decreases in quality of life for at least five years post-injury.

Last, but certainly not least the VA Research on Traumatic Brain Injury provides information on all the research the VA is doing regarding TBI, information about all aspects of TBI and investigational treatment options for TBI, including coping strategies for both veterans and their families.

Home Health Services

TBIs can be so severe that they cause severe debilitation and disability. This can make it extremely difficult for patients to be independent and care for themselves. Diverse Health Services is a home health company that can provide extra assistance to these individuals. Caretakers and family members may be overwhelmed or ill-equipped to provide these individuals everything that they need. Our health services assists with food preparation and feeding, activities of daily living, transportation and medication dispensing – to name a few. Please click on the services tab to figure out what other services we offer.

Resources:

https://www.concussionalliance.org/veterans#:~:text=The%20program%20helps%20service%20members,12%20weeks%20of%20free%20intensive

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557