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MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AND POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. Battlemind Training System Office U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School. UNCLASSIFIED. BRIEFING OUTLINE. PURPOSE : To provide information on the effects of mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder.
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MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYANDPOST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Battlemind Training System Office U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School UNCLASSIFIED
BRIEFING OUTLINE PURPOSE: To provide information on the effects of mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder. • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury • Post Combat Stress • Soldier and Leader Actions
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)
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
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
What to Look For? List not all inclusive
Flashback Example PDHRA Battlemind Video
Nightmare Example PDHRA Battlemind Video
Who is at Risk? EVERYONE
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.
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!!
Soldier as Leader • Conduct Individual Risk Assessment • Lead By Example • You are the key link to make the difference!
Soldier Support PDHRA Battlemind Video
Assistance for Soldiers and Families • 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 • 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
Summary • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury • Post Combat Stress & PTSD • Soldier and Leader Actions • Assistance Resources for Soldiers & Families