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WMSE releases traumatic brain injury information

  • Published
  • By the Walson Medical Support Element
  • the Walson Medical Support Element
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and the Defense and Veteran Brain Injury Center is trying to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are common in both military and civilian communities. Below are helpful facts from the DVBIC.

What is TBI?

-- A blow or jolt to the head that causes a disruption in the function of the brain

-- Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI

-- Severity of the TBI is determined at the time of injury and may be classified as:

-- Mild

-- Moderate

-- Severe

-- Penetrating

The most common cause of TBIs is falls in the civilian population. The most common causes of TBIs in the military are from blast injuries related to improvised explosive devices, bullets or fragments, falls, motor vehicle crashes and blunt objects.

Did You Know?

-- Concussion is another name for a mild TBI.

-- Concussion is the most common form of TBI in the military population.

-- Concussion results from a head injury that briefly knocks someone out or makes them feel dazed, confused, or "see stars."

Common Symptoms of Mild TBI

-- Physical: Headache, sleep disturbances, dizziness, balance problems, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, visual disturbances, light sensitivity and ringing in ears

-- Cognitive: Slowed thinking, poor concentration, memory problems and difficulty finding words

-- Emotional: Anxiety, depression, irritability and mood swings

Help Yourself Recover More Quickly

-- Report the incident which will protect you and your unit.

-- Get checked out by a healthcare provider and be honest about any symptoms.

-- Rest and avoid physical exertion such as heavy lifting and exercise.

-- Avoid mental exertion such as writing reports, activities requiring intense
concentration, etc.

-- Return to duty - Most people can expect to recover fully and return to duty or work. A health provider will determine when it is safe for someone to return to duty or work.

Living with a traumatic brain injury or know someone who is?

Visit Brainlinemilitary.org to find resources about traumatic brain injury for service members, veterans, National Guard, Reserve and family members.

Visit www.DVBIC.org or email info@DVBIC.org to learn more about TBI and find a wealth of educational materials.

TBI events at JB MDL

-- The Walson Medical Support Element and the 87th Medical Group are slated to host the TBI opening ceremony March, 8, 2013, 11 a.m. to noon in the Edward Resource Room on the second floor of the McGuire Clinic.

-- The WMSE is set to host a "prevention, intervention and education" presentation March 11, 2013, 11 a.m. to noon at the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center next to the McGuire Clinic.

-- The WMSE is slated to set up a TBI resource table March 13, 2013, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Exchange lobby.

-- The WMSE is set to host "Lunch and Learn: Concussions" March 18, 2013, noon to 1 p.m. at Building 5613 Classroom 2.

-- The WMSE is set to have a display in the lobby March 18 to 22, 2013, at the McGuire Fitness Center.