Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Military

RallyPoint Team — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:24:58 -0500

Traumatic brain injuries can have serious implications for people - most notably, difficulty with emotional management. The effects of TBI's aren't very well-known though they can prove to be life-altering injuries. Can improvements be made to help "cushion the blow" for our men and women in service?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 3:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:50:55 -0500

The most important aspect of TBI, or concussions, is early detection. Whether it's a small fall, a knock to the head, or anything in between; it's always better to be checked out than to be hurt and not know about it.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Dec 12 at 2014 5:55 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:55:23 -0500

I've taken the liberty of linking this in the Resources for Veterans & Service Members thread under the *** Traumatic Brain Injury recovery info *** discussion to gain more exposure.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 12 at 2014 7:36 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 19:36:01 -0500

After my failed attempt to catch a 107mm rocket and throw it back towards the enemy, I had one whopper of a migraine for days. I was puking, eyes watering, ears ringing, extremely sensative to light and noise, vertigo, I even had a weird metal taste in my mouth,the list went on. One of my pupils was HUGE. My glasses didn't work anymore. It was pretty scary. The brain is an amazing piece of equipment. It has amazing resiliency as well. Don't ever accept a diagnosis like things won't improve much if you suffer from TBI residuals. There are many programs available with speech therapists, and neurologists that can help. For a long time, my brain and mouth weren't running at the same speed. I would talk, and knew what I wanted to say, but the words just stopped. Sometimes I would get scared and the tears would well up. I have a horrible time encoding new information. That is one of many reasons why Japanese is kicking my butt. I am trying to use parts of my brain that are in Iraq still. I have been with a speech therapist for years. The trick is to keep yourself calm, be patient, and as always...never give up.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 11:55 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:55:00 -0500

I suffered a TBI in 1980 in the Corps. But they didn't give them as much thought as today. They just sent me home and told my wife to watch me. I still have headaches and migraines to this day and have had tinnitus in both ears since the accident. I also go through some terrible mood swings. I am very glad how the medical field deals with TBI's in the military today. We could always improve but I don't have the answer how.