What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI caused by explosions has become one of the most common combat wounds suffered in Iraq. Troops sometimes walk away from explosions with no obvious injuries, but the concussion from the blast can have a lingering effect that’s not always immediately apparent.

Click on the link below to learn more about TBI:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/metro/traumatic-brain-injury/#/home/

Statistics

According to the Department of Defense Report, “Report to Congress in Accordance with Section 1634 (b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008,” the Military Health System has recorded 43,779 patients who’ve been diagnosed with a TBI in calendar years 2003 through 2007. The military estimates that one-fifth of the troops with mild brain injuries will have prolonged or lifelong symptoms requiring continuing care.