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
Jan 28, 2021

2020 DOD Worldwide Numbers for TBI

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TBICoE is the Defense Department's office of responsibility for tracking traumatic brain injury data in the U.S. military. Here you'll find data on the number of active-duty service members—anywhere U.S. forces are located—with a first-time TBI diagnosis in calendar year 2020. The data is also broken down by each branch of the armed services.

Fact Sheet
Aug 6, 2020

Respect the Road

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One of the leading causes of military traumatic brain injury is motor vehicle crashes. This car safety fact sheet provides tips to help prevent TBI while driving a motor vehicle and safety measures to take to keep passengers safe. It also includes the signs and symptoms of TBI, and how to get help if you think you sustained a brain injury.

Fact Sheet
Aug 6, 2020

Head Check: Know Your Helmet, Bicycle and Motorcycle

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A Head for the Future aims to raise awareness about TBI among service members, veterans and their families. This fact sheet provides tips for choosing the right helmet for the right ride, with information about different safety features in helmets for bicycling and riding motorcycles.

Fact Sheet
Aug 6, 2020

Cruise with Control

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One of the leading causes of military traumatic brain injury is motor vehicle crashes. This fact sheet provides tips on how to stay safe on motorcycles to help prevent TBI while riding. It also includes the signs and symptoms of TBI, and how to get help if you think you sustained a brain injury.

Fact Sheet
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Head Check: Know Your Helmet, Football and Baseball

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A Head for the Future aims to raise awareness about TBI among service members, veterans and their families. This fact sheet provides tips for choosing the right helmet for the right sport, with information about different safety features in helmets for football and baseball.

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Head Check: Know Your Helmet, Winter Sports

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A Head for the Future aims to raise awareness about TBI among service members, veterans and their families. This fact sheet provides tips for choosing the right helmet for the right sport, with information about different safety features in helmets for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

Publication
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SCORE Chapter 2

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Psychoeducational Interventions for Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms Following Combat-Related Mild TBI Chapter two summarizes the psychoeducational interventions used for the control group in the first SCORE treatment arm (SCORE Arm 1). This educational material has been specifically adapted for use with service members and veterans who experience ...