Chapter Ten - Traumatic Brain Injury As you may have heard, Traumatic Brain Injury is the “signature wound” of veterans who served in the OEF/OIF Conflicts. Like PTSD, it is not an injury that is always visible, especially if it is mild to moderate. Many returning veterans have reported getting injured in the theater, and in the absence of any medical availability, were given a Tylenol and sent back into the field or told to rest for a day. Thus, many closed-head injuries are un-diagnosed. If during your tour you were:

* Exposed to any type of blast or explosion * Involved in a vehicular or aircraft crash * Experienced a serious fall or blow to the head

And you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

____ Dizziness ____ Loss of balance ____ Poor coordination/clumsy ____ Changes in taste or smell ____ Nausea ____ Changes in appetite ____ Low frustration tolerance/easily overwhelmed ____ Forgetfulness ____ Difficulty making decisions ____ Slowed thinking ____ Feeling anxious or tense

____ Tingling/numbness in your extremities ____ Sensitivity to bright lights ____ Changes in hearing ____ Sensitivity to certain noises ____ Changes in vision ____ Headaches ____ Poor concentration/easily distracted ____ Feeling sad or depressed ____ Impulsiveness ____ Fatigue/loss of energy ____ Difficulty falling or staying asleep ____ Irritability; easily annoyed

You should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician immediately—preferably one who is associated with the VA, DoD, or has experience in treating combat injuries. As you may have noticed, many of these symptoms are the same as those listed for PTSD, so it is very important that you consult a medical professional who can evaluate you to determine if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury. If your doctor concludes that you have a brain injury, you will need to see a specialist for further evaluation and testing to ascertain the severity of the injury and to recommend a course of treatment. These conditions are very treatable, and there are skilled, caring professionals within the VA and DoD health systems waiting to work with you and your family. Based on their findings, they will develop a plan of care tailored to your needs with the goal of enhancing your and your family’s quality of life to the fullest extent. Action Plan on Traumatic Brain Injury Remember, if you are not suffering from this area of stress, be aware of your “Buddies” who may be, and write down a few of your suggestions in the space provided below that you might share with them if and when they contact you.