Leaders play an important role in optimizing warfighter brain health after traumatic brain injury. This fact sheet provides guidance on leaders’ responsibilities to ensure service member readiness after an injury event.

The video expands and enhances the information in the fact sheet. In addition to leader-specific information, the video includes an introduction to TBI basics such as the mechanics of brain injury, the overlapping signs and symptoms of TBI and PTSD, and how each may affect functional and operational performance. Military leadership will benefit from the review of general diagnostic best practices and the explanations of TBI clinical support tools.

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. | Learn More

TBICoE offers training opportunities and resources along the care continuum of TBI management from prevention to recovery for military and civilian health care providers. These trainings and educational materials support TBICoE's provider resources, are free, and some offer continuing education credit. | Learn More

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed educational tools to help healthcare professionals use the updated policy in their practice. These educational tools include patient discharge instructions and a checklist on diagnosis and management of mTBI. | Learn More

• Information Papers, Research Reviews, and Clinical Pearls products developed by TBICoE help providers keep up with the latest findings on topics related to TBI.
• “Clinical Updates in Brain Injury Science Today,” or CUBIST, is a podcast series for health care providers treating service members and veterans with TBI. Each episode offers a brief analysis of current research relevant to clinicians. Listen to all the episodes of CUBIST on DVIDS.

VA’s Polytrauma System of Care is an integrated network of specialized rehabilitation programs dedicated to serving veterans and service members with both combat and civilian related TBI and polytrauma. | Learn More

Coping with the physical and emotional changes resulting from posttraumatic stress or a traumatic brain injury can be challenging, not only for the person with the diagnosis but also for family members and caregivers. | Learn More

Every year, thousands of warfighters and veterans are diagnosed with TBI. Knowing when to seek care contributes to overall brain health. Even a mild TBI can have long-lasting effects and may affect whether a service member is ready to deploy if not diagnosed and treated. | Learn More

Some mild TBI and concussion symptoms may appear right away, while others may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Symptoms generally improve over time, and most people with a mild TBI or concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. | Learn More

Family members and friends often find themselves in the role of caregiver. Caregivers play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of individuals with TBI. There is an emotional, physical, and financial toll that is so often associated with caregiving. There are multiple resources available for those who have taken on the caregiving role.

• Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans
• Fact Sheets for Caregivers
• Caregiver Resource Directory