Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the Military

Description:

This training module defines and describes the different types of TBI.  It examines the rates of TBI in the military population and the different mechanisms of blast-related TBI.  Assessment and management of TBI in theater versus in garrison will be covered. Finally, the training covers some of the current controversies associated with TBI in the DoD, comorbid conditions, and resources for providers, families, and patients in the military with TBI.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define and differentiate between different types of traumatic brain injuries.
  2. Identify the mechanisms of brain injury common in a military population.
  3. Discuss traumatic brain injury resources for military clients, families, and providers.

Outline:

  1. Definition of TBI
  2. Prevalence of TBI
    1. In the United States
    2. In the Military
    3. Severity data
  3. Mechanisms of TBI
    1. Closed/blunt

      1. Coup & Contra Coup
      2. Diffuse axonal injury
    2. Penetrating
    3. Blast-related injuries
      1. Primary injuries
      2. Secondary injuries
      3. Tertiary injuries
      4. Quaternary injuries
  4. Neurocognitive Disorder
    1. DSM-5 criteria
    2. Major NCD
    3. Mild NCD
    4. Predisposing NCD risk factors
  5. TBI screening and assessment
    1. Assessment goals
    2. Assessment domains
    3. Assessment tools
    4. TBI red flags
    5. Screening errors and preventing misdiagnoses/missed diagnoses
  6. TBI and the DoD
    1. DoD 6490.11 Policy
    2. Concussed Service Members
    3. Concussion Care Center Model
  7. Interventions following TBI
    1. Overview
    2. Psychoeducation
    3. Clinical course
    4. Complications with clinical course
  8. Changes after a TBI
    1. Cognitive
    2. Emotional, Social, and Behavioral
    3. Long-term challenges and controversies
    4. TBI controversies in DoD
  9. TBI, comorbidities and other factors
    1. Post-deployment disorders
    2. TBI and depression
    3. TBI and PTSD
    4. TBI and alcohol use disorders
  10. TBI Resources
    1. Concussion Coach
    2. DVBIC and its tools
    3. Websites
    4. Consultation tools
    5. TBI caregivers guide

Duration: 120-240 minutes (10 minute break required every 90 mins)

Notes:

*Continuing education credits are available for this course. Fees may apply.