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TBI Provider Resources

TBICoE develops practical, easy-to-use clinical recommendations and tools to support military and civilian health care providers in assessing and treating service members and veterans who have sustained a TBI. Providers can access clinically relevant information and resources that address common symptoms associated with mild TBI, such as headache, sleep disturbances, and vision problems. We also offer Provider Education materials for our clinical recommendations and tools.

Most clinical recommendations have related patient resources to help providers educate patients through recovery. Check out the Patient and Family Resources section to locate fact sheets, patient resources, and family and caregiver support tools.

TBI educators, known as regional education coordinators, are available to provide training on our clinical recommendations and tools.

Acute Concussion Care Pathway

In order to standardize acute concussion assessment and care across the MHS, DHA established the Acute Concussion Care Pathway as part of the FY21 Quadruple Aim Performance Plan.

The goal of the ACC Pathway is to improve recovery times and outcomes by utilizing a multi-modal assessment tool at the time of injury—the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation version 2—and to ensure timely access to repeat evaluations with personalized treatment protocols in alignment with a progressive return to activity process. By establishing a standard pathway of care for mild TBI, providers across the MHS can ensure a reduction in unwarranted variation and foster an integrated system of readiness and health.

Supporting the goal of the ACC Pathway, the DHA Procedural Instruction 6490.04, titled “Required Clinical Tools and Procedures for Assessment and Clinical Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury /Concussion in Non-Deployed Setting,” establishes the DHA's required clinical tools and procedures for management of mild TBI, or concussion, in a non-deployed setting. Specifically, the use of the MACE 2 and a PRA framework for the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of all patients with a mild TBI.

The ACC Pathway—a standardized assessment and treatment plan for acute concussion, mandates:

  1. Use of the MACE 2 for acute assessment at the initial appointment 
  2. Follow-up within 72 hours after diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury
  3. Completion of a progressive return to activity process prior to return to full duty

This infographic and educational video focus on standardizing the nomenclature for the ACC Pathway, delineating how each element intertwines to meet the objective of improving concussion outcomes across the MHS. 

What is the Acute Concussion Care Pathway? The Acute Concussion Care Pathway is one of the DHA Director’s Quadruple Aim Performance Plan projects. The intent is to equip providers with state-of-the-science tools to standardize concussion assessment and care across the MHS. It is supported by the DHA Procedural Instruction 6490.04 which establishes the infrastructure to ensure patients achieve optimal concussion clinical outcomes.  What is the Acute Concussion Care Pathway?

Download the ACC Pathway Infographic

TBICoE also offers a quarterly "Application of Acute Concussion Care Pathway: MACE 2 & PRA" virtual training. Attendees may earn two CEUs through the Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office.

The DOD published the DODI 6490.11, "DOD Policy Guidance for Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion in the Deployed Setting" establishing policy, assigning responsibilities, and providing procedures on the management of mild TBI, also known as concussion, in the deployed setting.

TBICoE's MACE 2, PRA clinical recommendation, Recurrent Concussion Evaluation, and ICD-10 Coding Guidance for TBI support the ACC Pathway, the DHA-PI 6490.04, and the DODI 6490.11 and are available for download below.

 

MACE 2

The 2018 MACE 2 is an acute assessment tool for all medically trained personnel who treat service members involved in a potentially concussive event. The clinical tool incorporates current state-of-the-science traumatic brain injury information, including vestibular-ocular-motor screening.

Download the MACE 2 and supporting materials.

 

Progressive Return to Activity

The 2021 Progressive Return to Activity: Primary Care for Acute Concussion Management clinical recommendation is an evidence-based return to activity protocol for primary care managers and concussion/TBI clinic providers.

Download the Progressive Return to Activity: Primary Care for Acute Concussion Management clinical recommendation and Patient and Leadership Guide.

 

Recurrent Concussion Evaluation

Download the Recurrent Concussion Evaluation

 

ICD-10 Coding Guidance for TBI

Download the ICD-10 Coding Guidance for TBI

Clinical Recommendations and Support Tools for Mild TBI

TBICoE optimizes clinical care by combining evidence from medical literature, health care research and expert opinion to develop and provide clinical suites to help providers deliver evidence-based treatment and address the challenges associated with mild TBI.

  • Clinical recommendations provide guidance on assessing and managing mild TBI symptoms.
  • Clinical support tools offer an algorithmic approach to evaluating, managing, and referring mild TBI patients for specialty care.
  • Training material to show providers how to identify and treat patients with mild TBI-related symptoms.
  • Fact sheets and patient guides that provide tips and tools to help service members and veterans cope with a mild TBI.
 

*NEW* Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Following Concussion/Mild TBI Provider Fact Sheet

Learn more and download this new provider tool here!

Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Screening Following Concussion/Mild TBI

 

Neuroimaging Following Concussion/Mild TBI

 

Dizziness and Visual Disturbances Following Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Sleep Disturbances Following Concussion/Mild TBI

 

Headache Following Concussion/Mild TBI

 

Cognitive Rehabilitation Following Mild to Moderate TBI

 

Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT) Testing Following Concussion/Mild TBI

 

Additional Clinical Support Tools

TBICoE also offers the following tools to assist in the identification, treatment and management of patients with mild TBI in deployed and non-deployed settings.

Find and download the additional tools here.

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Fact Sheet
Jul 18, 2023

Low-Level Blast: Fact Sheet for Providers

.PDF | 1.26 MB

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. Both providers and service members should be aware of the potential effects of low ...

Fact Sheet
Jun 14, 2023

Leader Policy Guidance for Mild TBI/Concussion in the Deployed Setting Fact Sheet

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This document describes the line leader responsibilities for the Department of Defense mandated policy, DOD Instruction 6490.11, “DOD Policy Guidance for the Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion in the Deployed Setting,” that applies to all service members involved in potentially concussive events in deployed settings.

Fact Sheet
Nov 16, 2022

Healthy Sleep Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

.PDF | 108.25 KB

Getting restful sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and it often takes thoughtful preparation during the day. This fact sheet offers service members and veterans who experience sleep disturbances after a concussion with healthy sleep tips that can likely improve sleep.

Fact Sheet
Sep 14, 2022

Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Following Concussion/Mild TBI Provider Fact Sheet

.PDF | 168.72 KB

The Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Following Concussion/Mild TBI Provider Fact Sheet, developed by TBICoE, is a one page document that gives primary care managers (PCMs) an overview of neuroendocrine dysfunction (NED) that can occur after concussion, or mild TBI. It highlights conditions with overlapping symptoms, screening and treatment considerations, ...

Fact Sheet
Apr 28, 2021

Help With Ongoing Symptoms Following Concussion/Mild TBI Fact Sheet

.PDF | 144.49 KB

Although the majority of service members recover from concussion with little to no intervention, some experience symptoms beyond the first three months after their initial injury. This fact sheet addresses why symptoms continue to persist in some patients and how they can cope or seek additional help.

Fact Sheet
Jul 30, 2020

Neck Pain Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

.PDF | 205.90 KB

Neck pain can occur together with headaches following a concussion. This TBICoE fact sheet provides information to help patients manage neck pain. Various techniques are explained, including the use of heat or cold therapy, neck stretches, proper sleep positions and common activities that may contribute to neck strain.

Fact Sheet
Jul 30, 2020

Concussion/Mild TBI Signs and Symptoms Spanish Version Fact Sheet

.PDF | 455.08 KB

This fact sheet — in Spanish — identifies major physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms of concussion/mild TBI, and provides coping and recovery tips.

Fact Sheet
Jul 30, 2020

Headaches Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

.PDF | 140.00 KB

Although each headache is different, identifying common causes, or triggers, is important for health care providers and patients to determine appropriate treatment. This fact sheet provides non-drug options to help those diagnosed with a mild TBI and associated post-traumatic headache manage symptoms.

Last Updated: July 21, 2023
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