What happens to Veterans’ Brains after a Head Injury?
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
TBI is a stressful brain injury caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head disrupting the normal function of the brain. In the context of Veterans, this is often caused by blast injuries, vehicle accidents, blunt force trauma, or repetitive head injuries. TBI in Veterans can sometimes go unnoticed, causing them to not take action in treatment due to dealing with the symptoms in their everyday lives.
Signs?
Memory Loss: In many cases, Veterans will have difficulty remembering the traumatic event or problems with short-term memory such as remembering appointments, to-do lists, and misplacing items often. In severe cases, long-term memory can also be affected.
Seizures: In moderate to severe cases, Veterans have an increased risk of developing seizures.
Depression: Those who experience a TBI will most likely develop depression. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and disconnect from one's self.
Difficulty Concentrating or Focusing: Many have trouble concentrating on tasks for extended periods or staying engaged in conversations. Distractions will also be heightened, making even day-to-day activities challenging.
How Does It Affect Veterans?
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, TBIs affected nearly 414,000 U.S. service members worldwide between the early 2000s and late 2019. More than 185,000 Veterans who use the VA for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one brain injury. TBI is associated with a significant cause of disability outside of military settings.
How To Cope With TBI?
Stick To A Routine: TBI often decreases a person’s ability to stay organized and focused. Routine gives anyone a sense of clarity, and for Veterans it is important. Specific meal times, work times, bedtimes and scheduled exercise can all play a huge role and help veterans stay on track.
Adopt A Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a new way of living can give Veterans an overall better quality of life. Here are some of the habits listed below.
Exercise regularly
Prioritize sleep
Eat a balanced diet
Stay hydrated
Build A Support Network: Having a strong support network for Veterans managing TBIs is essential for them to thrive. Friends and family can provide help with things such as making appointments, providing emotional support, and ensuring the person struggling follows through with necessary treatment.
In addition to having support from friends and family, Veterans can also benefit from peer groups by being able to connect to others with similar backgrounds. At Boots to Health Foundation, there is a community for you. We provide a range of programs addressing all areas contributing to the overall well-being of Veterans.
References
Serenity Healthcare Partners. “Serenity Healthcare Partners.” Serenity Healthcare Partners, 29 Oct. 2024, www.serenityhealthcarepartners.com/holistic-approaches-to-traumatic- brain-injury-rehabilitation/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).” Va.gov, 2019, www.research.va.gov/topics/tbi.cfm.
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