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Marines with combined anti-armor team conduct weapon familiarization training June 3 at the North Training Area at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji. It was the first time for many of the Marines to fire the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon. The Marines are with the CAAT of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, which is currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. The combat correspondent captured the photo at a shutter speed of 1/160th of a second, creating a multiple-exposure effect of the AT-4 gunner, as well as capturing the dust being shaken from the Marines’ helmets as a result of the shockwave created from the concussion of the weapon’s back-blast. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam B. Miller/Released)
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Warfighter Brain Health Hub

In June 2022, the Department of Defense launched the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative to bring together the operational and medical communities in a more unified approach toward optimizing service member brain health and countering traumatic brain injuries.

Our Focus

  • Optimizing cognitive and physical performance.
  • Identifying, monitoring, and mitigating brain exposures.
  • Preventing, recognizing, and minimizing the effects of traumatic brain injury.
  • Reducing or eliminating long-term or late effects of brain injury.
  • Advancing warfighter brain health science.

Our Commitment

  • Understanding.
  • Preventing,
  • Accurately diagnosing, and
  • Promptly treating blast overpressure and its effects.

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Video
Jan 19, 2024

What Happens To The Brain After A TBI?

What Happens To The Brian After A TBI?

What Happens to the Brain After a TBI? This video explores the effects of concussion on a warfighter's brain, commonly caused by falls, sports, or car accidents. It emphasizes the importance of prevention through protective measures like helmets, seatbelts, and safe training practices, which are essential for maintaining brain health.

Article
Dec 15, 2023

Department of Defense Taking Action with Warfighter Brain Health Initiative

Department of Defense Taking Action with Warfighter Brain Health Initiative

"A top priority for the DOD is taking care of our people,” said Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. “This priority includes promoting brain health and countering traumatic brain injury in all its forms. As the military community’s understanding of brain health has evolved over the years, the Department’s ...

Fact Sheet
Dec 14, 2023

PTSD and Other Stress-Related Disorders Following Concussion/Mild TBI Fact Sheet

.PDF | 542.68 KB

Co-occurring concussion and stress-related disorders, including PTSD, are common among service members. This fact sheet defines concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury, and provides an overview of common stress-related disorders, the overlapping symptoms, and how to manage those symptoms.

Fact Sheet
Dec 13, 2023

Low-Level Blast: VA Provider Fact Sheet

.PDF | 820.18 KB

This fact sheet was developed specifically for VA medical providers. Low-level blast is defined as blast generated from firing heavy weapon systems or explosives in combat or training environments. Exposure to low-level blast does not typically result in a clinically diagnosable concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury.

Article
Dec 5, 2023

When Your Spouse Has a Traumatic Brain Injury

Lorie Falaminiano, an MRI technologist assigned to Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), conducts an MRI scan of a patient's brain at the NMCSD hospital.

As a spouse of a service member who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may be experiencing a range of emotions. It is important to allow yourself to feel every emotion that surfaces and attend to your own needs. Here are some strategies to consider as you prepare to take on your new role as a caregiver to your spouse.

Article
Dec 1, 2023

U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity Pharmacist Excels as Warfighter Brain Health Product Manager, Mom, and Leader

U.S. Army Maj. Dana Bal tests a brain hemorrhage detection device during familiarization training at the headquarters of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., Dec. 28, 2022. Bal serves as part of the Program Management-Acquisition Internship Program and as assistant product manager with USAMMDA’s Warfighter Brain Health Project Management Office. (U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish)

Aiming to join the Army Medical Service Corps as a pharmacist, Dana Bal graduated and earned her commission in 2008 before being awarded a Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) educational delay to complete pharmacy school. Find out why Bal credits the Army for her success as a Warfighter Brain Health Product Manager, a mom, and a leader.

Article
Dec 1, 2023

Walter Reed's National Intrepid Center of Excellence Scientists to Present New TBI Battlefield Biomarkers Research During 2023 MHSRS

Dr. Ping-Hong Yeh all smiles at Walter Reed in preparation for presenting new biomarkers TBI research at 2023 MHSRS. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Reyesguevarra)

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is pleased to announce that researchers from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) will present a groundbreaking study on diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) taking place Aug. 14-17, 2023 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and ...

Article
Dec 1, 2023

Neuropsychiatry/TBI Unit at Walter Reed Unique in DOD

Dr. David Williamson, medical director for the Neuropsychiatry/Traumatic Brain Injury unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and his staff are breaking new ground in identifying and treating TBI and behavioral health challenges.  (courtesy photo)

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) has the Department of Defense’s only Neuropsychiatry/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Unit. It serves as a referral program for Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries throughout the defense department, as well as for congressional members needing care for the impacts of head injuries and other ...

Article
Dec 1, 2023

Be a 'Brain Warrior' and Protect Yours

The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), along with the entire Military Health System (MHS), places emphasize on protecting the brain, as well as seeking treatment for brain injuries, every day.  (courtesy photo)

March is annually observed as Brain Injury Awareness Month (BIAM), and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, along with the entire Military Health System (MHS), places emphasize on protecting the brain, as well as seeking treatment for brain injuries, every day.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024
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