Traumatic Brain Injury Among US Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a signature injury among veterans who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) combat operations, though this injury can also occur in the context of a number of other noncombat situations. This chapter presents a historical framework for the evolution in thinking about TBI, from conceptualizing it as a historical event to more modern conceptualizations of a chronic disease process. The chapter reviews ways to approach assessment and treatment of veterans with a history of concussion, with attention to the associations and symbolic significances that accompany a range of post-concussive symptoms, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, and the importance of involvement of the family system. Finally, the chapter discusses existing pathways of care for veterans with a history of TBI and future directions for research inquiry.