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Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

The Department of Defense leads in the treatment and research of brain-related injuries and is committed to identifying breakthroughs to improve the lives of individuals who have sustained brain injuries. DOD’s efforts address a holistic view at brain health and brain injuries—before, during, and after any blast exposure or other injury.

The DOD considers protectingtreating, and optimizing brain health a top priority.

Evergreen Brain Injury Awareness image

TBI, considered one of the signature wounds of war in the 21st century, presents complex and challenging problems for many of our service members.

More than 490,000 service members have sustained TBI since 2000, according to reports from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence.

See below for TBI resources for health care providers, leaders, service members, veterans, families, and caregivers.

Protecting Brain Health

DOD promotes and protects the health and well-being of our nation's armed forces, dedicating significant resources to close gaps in knowledge about TBI. The Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, launched in 2022, brings together multiple resources across the department to optimize brain health. The plan combats TBI by addressing multiple concerns such as blast exposures, repetitive head impacts, and TBI’s long-term effects.

Symptoms of a TBI may reappear or worsen if military training and sports or recreational activities are resumed too quickly. If you are in a leadership role, understanding what to expect and what your responsibilities are will help ensure readiness for your service members. Know how to prevent injury, actively understand and encourage the importance of seeking care, and follow proper care guidance for a medically ready force.

Service members, veterans, families, and caregivers can all Be a Brain Warrior by learning how most TBIs are sustained, how to protect themselves, and how to manage symptoms should a TBI occur.

Treating Brain Health

Most people who sustain a mild TBI (also known as concussion) recover completely. Health care providers can Be a Brain Warrior by using the latest clinical tools to treat patients and improve outcomes, keeping up with the latest research, and following the Acute Concussion Care Pathway.

Be a Brain Warrior by seeking treatment for head injuries; most people recover from concussion. Know the signs and symptoms.

Optimizing Brain Health

Staying up-to-date on clinical tools, the latest research, and training and education by TBICoE educators are ways a military health care provider can Be a Brain Warrior.

Patients, their families, and caregivers can optimize brain health and overall health and Be a Brain Warrior by seeking medical care and maintaining stability through recovery with caregiver support. Check out TBICoE’s Patient and Family Resources page for TBI fact sheets, family and caregiver guides, and other patient resources.

More BIAM Events

For in-person and virtual events at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, check out the Brain Awareness Day and the virtual Science Café event information.

Brain Awareness Day Sat. March 16. Free for everyone. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Virtual Science Cafe. Headache and TBI: The evolution of Medication. A virtual event held on the Facebook @medicalmuseum on March 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET.

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Mar 15, 2023

INFORMATION PAPER: The Impact of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on the Autonomic Nervous System

.PDF | 381.19 KB

The purpose of this information paper by TBICoE is to provide a general overview of the current evidence related to the impact of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This paper will focus on heart rate variability (HRV), pupillary light reflex (PLR), and hyperhidrosis within the military and civilian ...

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Defense Intrepid Network Supports Service Members Across the Continuum

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Anthony Mannino plays guitar as he receives music therapy as part of his traumatic brain injury treatment and recovery. Kalli Jermyn, a music therapy intern, observes, instructs, and works with Mannino. The therapy is conducted at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. (Department of Defense photo by Marvin Lynchard)

The Defense Intrepid Network for TBI and Brain Health’s Continuum of Caring, Healing, and Thriving initiative, headquartered at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland, is a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to address the full continuum of traumatic brain injury, behavior health, and brain health.

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Feb 24, 2023

Manual: #DODM 1332.18, Volume 1, Disability Evaluation System Manual: General Information and Legacy Disability Evaluation System Time Standards

This manual is composed of several volumes, each containing its own purpose. The purpose of the overall manual, in accordance with the authority in DOD Directive 5124.02 (Reference (a)), is to implement policy, assign responsibilities, and provide procedures for the DES pursuant to DOD Instruction 1332.18 (Reference (b)).

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Feb 21, 2023

Optimizing Warfighter Brain Health and Performance

Thumbnail image of TBICoE's Dr. Sloley video.

Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence research support cell chief, Dr. Stephanie Sloley, discusses her role in the organization and the importance of collaborative efforts in examining traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Sloley discusses the mission and vision of TBICoE and the importance of optimizing warfighter brain health and performance.

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Brain Injury Awareness with the 19th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps

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In this episode of Picking Your Brain, TBICoE Branch Chief, Capt. Scott Cota and clinical moderator Amanda Gano interview the 19th Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Troy Black. The interview covers topics such as the DOD's Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, the commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 efforts, and how warfighter ...

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How One Officer is Chasing Her Dreams

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2000-2022 Q3 DOD Worldwide Numbers for TBI

.PDF | 251.65 KB

TBICoE is the Defense Department’s office of responsibility for tracking traumatic brain injury data in the U.S. military. Here you’ll find data on the number of active-duty service members—anywhere U.S. forces are located—with a first-time TBI diagnosis from calendar year 2000 through the third quarter of 2022. The data is also broken down by each ...

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Last Updated: August 20, 2024
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