PMID: 28511279May 17, 2017Paper

Blast-associated traumatic brain injury in the military as a potential trigger for dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy

U.S. Army Medical Department Journal
James Hasoon

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from blast exposures have significantly affected US military personnel throughout the world, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. From 2000-2016, more than 350,000 military service members were diagnosed with a TBI. Since the majority of blast-related TBIs are classified as mild with no definitive findings on physical examination or diagnostic studies, it is difficult to accurately diagnose individuals inflicted with such injuries. There are likely far more mild TBIs that remain undiagnosed in the military. Traumatic brain injury is a serious public health concern since it can lead to long-term neuropsychiatric changes such as posttraumatic stress disorder and various forms of dementia. Blast-related TBI has also been linked with neuropsychiatric dysfunction that is commonly seen in athletes that have suffered chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Further research is needed to aid in prevention, diagnostic studies, and care of military service members and veterans who have suffered a TBI.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anxiety Disorders

Discover the latest research on anxiety disorders including agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder here.

Brain Injury & Trauma

brain injury after impact to the head is due to both immediate mechanical effects and delayed responses of neural tissues.

Related Papers

The New England Journal of Medicine
Christine L Mac DonaldDavid L Brody
The New England Journal of Medicine
Charles W Hoge, Carl A Castro
The New England Journal of Medicine
Brian P Walcott, Kristopher T Kahle
The New England Journal of Medicine
Michael S XydakisCarlo Pierpaoli
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved