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 509,000 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 Events

Visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine for Brain Awareness Day.

Brain Awareness Day Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to noon at the National Museum of Health and Medicine

Download the flyer for details about the National Intrepid Center of Excellence events.

Page one of the downloadable PDF flyer listing the National Intrepid Center of Excellence's 2025 brain injury awareness events.

Join the NMHM and TBICoE for a Virtual Science Cafe.

Join NMHM and subject matter experts from TBICoE as we discuss the latest advances in TBI diagnostic devices and their impact of clinical decision-making. Attendees will be guided through topics such as FDA-cleared diagnostic tools, military-specific considerations, and future innovations in TBI care.

When: Friday, March 28, 2025, 11 a.m.
Where: Virtual @MedicalMuseum on Facebook
Cost: FREE! Open to everyone.

For more information, visit the NMHM event page on their website.

Graphic promoting the virtual science cafe event hosted by the National Museum of Health and Medicine and the Traumatic Brian Injury Center of Excellence. The topic is on Transforming TBI Detection and will occur online on Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m. ET on the museums Facebook page, @MedicalMuseum.

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