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.

TBICoE Activities

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Publication
Nov 29, 2023

TBICoE's Low-Level Blast Research Efforts Infographic

.PDF | 2.12 MB

This infographic illustrates TBICoE's work to better understand how low-level blast influences warfighter brain health. These efforts directly support Line of Effort 2 of the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative.

Infographic
Nov 29, 2023

TBICoE's Low-Level Blast Research Infographic

What is TBICoE doing to help warfighters exposed to low-level blast? Leading the charge: 1. Collaborated on Military weapons training studies and Epidemiology studies 2. Led health and performance efforts in support of the Section 734 Program Advancing the science: 1. Measured LLB exposure effects on performance 2. Provided recommendations on LLB surveillance 3. Advanced DOD’s understanding of LLB health and performance effects Answering the call: 1. Outlined next steps for LLB research 2. Helped to develop guidance for managing brain health risk from blast overexposure 3. Recommended the development of a tool to capture career blast exposure These efforts are in support of the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative LLB Relevant Aims 1. Understand the known and emerging threats and hazards to brain health 2. Monitor warfighters for brain exposures 3. Reduce risk of brain exposures that may negatively impact brain health

This infographic illustrates TBICoE's research activity on understanding how low-level blast influences warfighter brain health. This work directly supports Line of Effort 2 of the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative. Learn more about low-level blast exposure and TBI at health.mil/LLB.

Policy
Nov 22, 2023

Instruction: #6055.12, Hearing Conservation Program

This issuance implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for administering a hearing conservation program to prevent hearing loss resulting from occupational and operational illness and injury; establishes the DoD Hearing Conservation Working Group; and, Issues requirements for the integration of noise control into the life ...

  • Identification #: 6055.12
  • Type: Instruction
Video
Nov 17, 2023

Warrior Care: Healing Through Art

Warrior Care: Healing Through Art

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Scoggins describes his experience using art to recover from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. Scoggins art tells the story of his multiple suicide attempts and his journey to recovery. Scoggins, along with his art teacher, retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Greg Miller, displayed art at the Air Force Wounded Warrior Care ...

Article
Nov 14, 2023

Wounded Warriors Gather to Celebrate Day of Healing

The Day of Healing is an incredible showcase for the strength and resilience of our wounded warriors,” said Seileen Mullen, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. “The athletes, artists, musicians, and more coming together to share their stories of recovery is an inspirational reminder of why we celebrate Warrior Care and ...

Article
Nov 7, 2023

Innovative Hearing Injury Therapies Help Doctors Improve Patient Outcomes

Two experts from the Defense Health Agency’s Hearing Center of Excellence recently updated military health providers on these developments during a briefing during the September 2023 Clinical Community Speaker Series, provided by the DHA Continuing Education Program Office. The series offers continuing education credits and helps ensure health care ...

Article
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Ask the Doc: Finding Resources in a New Location

Moving is a major part of military life, and it can be hard to start over again in a new location. Many wounded warriors, their family members, and caregivers face the same issue. Here are resources to help you settle in.

Fact Sheet
Nov 6, 2023

Warfighter Brain Health After TBI: Guidance for Leaders

.PDF | 895.85 KB

This TBICoE fact sheet, Warfighter Brain Health After TBI: Guidance for Leaders, condenses the basics of recognizing, reporting, and preventing TBI in service members. It updates and supersedes the Line Leader Policy Guidance fact sheet and includes a list of what the DOD has defined as potentially concussive events and outlines leaders’ ...

Video
Sep 21, 2023

TBI and Low-Level Blast Exposure: What Medical Providers Need to Know

TBI and Low-Level Blast Exposure: What Medical Providers Need to Know

This educational video, produced by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, focuses on the effects of low-level blast and traumatic brain injury. Its purpose is to provide supplemental information on low-level blast to health care providers and beneficiaries.