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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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Fact Sheet
Jun 8, 2022

Returning Home After TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

.PDF | 137.09 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet shares information and adaptation tips when a loved one diagnosed with a TBI—or concussion—returns home. It includes hot topics such as driving following TBI and ways to avoid a second traumatic brain injury.

Fact Sheet
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Addressing Family Needs: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

.PDF | 116.93 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet includes ways to build stronger family ties and develop coping strategies for challenges the family may experience after a loved one sustains a concussion—or TBI—such as substance misuse, psychological and emotional trauma, and financial changes.

Fact Sheet
Jun 8, 2022

Intimacy and Sexuality Following TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

.PDF | 121.48 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet provides caregivers and those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury—or concussion— with information for addressing intimacy and sexuality concerns following injury. It includes information on how TBI can affect sexual functioning and behavior, and tips on improving intimacy after a brain injury.

Fact Sheet
Jun 8, 2022

Talking to Your Child about TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

.PDF | 246.77 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet includes age-appropriate strategies adults can use to speak with children about traumatic brain injury—or concussion. It also includes tips on how to help kids cope with changes that impact the family unit.

Fact Sheet
Jun 8, 2022

Taking Care of Yourself: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans

.PDF | 121.29 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet is directed towards caregivers and provides self-care strategies to avoid caregiver burnout and fatigue when caring for a loved one who has sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Publication
Jun 8, 2022

DOD Warfighter Brain Health Initiative Strategy and Action Plan

As a Department, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our people in order to maximize our ability to defend the nation. Brain health has historically been defined in terms of human performance optimization. The most accepted and familiar aspect of human performance has been physical performance (e.g., agility, endurance, ...

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Last Updated: August 20, 2024
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