Be a Brain Warrior During Brain Injury Awareness Month

By USPHS CAPT Tricia Booker
Clinical Training Program Manager, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence

A TBI is defined as the disruption of normal brain function caused by a blow or jolt to the head, which can be from a blast wave or a physical impact. While such injuries do occur during deployments, they are even more common in garrison due to sports and recreational activities, combatives training, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. Most people are familiar with the term “concussion,” which refers to a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can easily go unrecognized because sometimes they occur without loss of consciousness or other visible signs.

All service members and their families benefit from understanding that concussions can be serious and are worth a medical evaluation. The Defense Health Agency’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence reports more than 460,000 TBI diagnoses in the military health system since 2000. This month, TBICoE is promoting awareness of brain injuries with information and resources about how to protect, treat, and optimize your brain.

PROTECT
It is important to prevent brain injury whenever possible. To avoid motor vehicle accidents, which account for 30% of TBIs in the military, drivers should obey all traffic signals and practice defensive driving. Everyone should remain aware of drivers and pedestrians to avoid collisions.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, but TBIs happen all year long. Both children and adults should wear helmets whenever one is made for the sport or activity. This includes cycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading. In the summer, observe safe swimming practices: no running near pools or diving in shallow water. During winter months, those who ski, snowboard, or play ice hockey should exercise caution and wear a properly fitting helmet. Clear away snow and ice at home and be alert for icy paths when in public. According to the CDC, falls lead to nearly half of TBI-related hospitalizations.

TREAT
Stop and seek medical help if you think you or someone else—may have experienced a concussion. Health care providers can evaluate possible concussions and guide the recovery process.

TBI Clinics and Intrepid Spirit Centers across the Military Health System provide specialized evaluation and care, including management of ongoing conditions after concussion. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, balance difficulties, vision problems, depression, anxiety, and more can persist after head injury, and targeted therapy may be required for recovery. Full recovery and return to duty is the goal! Find symptom management fact sheets at https://rly.pt/40946rV

You can stay up to date on the latest research, publications, and guidance for brain health, injury, and recovery via the resources at https://rly.pt/TBI

For caregivers, the Family Caregiver Guide is just one of many tools available for download here: https://rly.pt/TBIcaregiver
Additionally, your health care providers are excellent sources of information and answers to specific questions regarding TBI and related symptoms. They can help guide a gradual return to normal activity after concussion to ensure safe and complete recovery.

OPTIMIZE
Restful sleep is key to wellness, including brain health. Exercise improves focus and memory. You can eat for brain health, too! Dark-colored berries and fruits, dark chocolate, green tea, and walnuts are a few foods which supply antioxidants to combat harmful free radicals. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, critical nutrients for brain tissue, include avocados, nuts, and fish, especially salmon. Whole grains provide long-lasting fuel for brain function.

Finally, mental exercise—such as reading, learning, logic puzzles, strategy games, and social activities—builds strong connections in the brain. Universal recommendations to avoid nicotine, drugs, and alcohol are true for brain wellness as well.

Be a brain warrior! Your brain is yours for life. Take care of it.

For more information, follow TBICoE on Facebook at @TBICoEpage.