TBIs in the Military

The Veterans Administration (VA) indicates that almost half of the veterans who served from 2001 through 2022 and sought services through the VA were registered on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Veterans Health Registry. By following this link, you can read more. If nearly half of those Veterans seeking services through the VA also have TBIs, the question then becomes – are their needs being met? This blog post will explore the interconnection between TBIs in the military

Common Causes of TBI in the Military

TBIs do not discriminate when it comes to who ends up sustaining a TBI. Military personnel can sustain a TBI in many of the same ways civilians can. However, their exposure to situations where repeated concussions can occur, combat and explosions, falls, and training routines can increase TBI frequency and severity over time. Other common causes of TBIs in life include auto or machine-related accidents, contact sports, physical violence, and medical and bacterial infections.

Signs and Symptoms of a TBI

Every person’s TBI symptoms will differ and be linked in some way to the TBI severity. However, it should be mentioned that military personnel often form powerful bonds through their shared experiences and this may lead soldiers to downplay or suppress their symptoms to continue with their job or mission. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, article linked here, describes many symptoms that may follow a TBI event. Here are some of the more common TBI symptoms.

  • Headaches
    TBIs can create many challenges throughout someone's life.
  • Weakness in limbs or the body
  • Vomiting or nauseousness
  • Seizures
  • Irritability and anger
  • Difficulty with impulse control
  • Difficulty with sleep or obtaining a quality night’s rest
  • Rage
  • Challenges with orientation
  • Becoming easily confused or overwhelmed
  • Increased sensitivity to stimuli
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in behavior and/or personality traits

Diagnosing TBIs in Military Personnel

TBIs can only be diagnosed by a trained medical professional. This is usually done through some sort of scan on the body, i.e. a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This can help to show if there has been damage to the brain. Another important aspect when working with TBIs is the role of a neuropsychologist or neuropsychiatrist (can also order a CT scan) who can administer testing and evaluation scales to determine if someone has a level of cognitive impairment from a TBI event. Although, this method cannot pinpoint where in the brain there is injury. This form of evaluation can help to determine areas of weakness and growth to target with therapy or additional support.

TBI Therapist Near Racine, WI

Soldiers, veterans, and civilians can all struggle with the TBI aftermath. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, one of our specialty areas is supporting men in TBI recovery. I also have a TBI and have walked and continue to walk the TBI recovery process. Being able to connect with a trained mental health therapist can help to process and integrate traumatic experiences and learn healthier ways to cope with stress and powerful emotions.

Currently, I have in-person sessions available for those living in the Southern Milwaukee area and offer online therapy for those living throughout Wisconsin and Colorado. If you’d like to move forward, give me a call at 720.295.6703 or submit an online form by following this link. From there, we’ll schedule a free 15-minute conversation to ensure we are a good fit to work together. If so, we’ll schedule our first appointment during this call.

By: Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW

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