Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious, often hidden wound that's been called the signature injury of the current war. Hundreds of thousands of young Veterans have symptoms of TBI. Your friend or family member may exhibit minor symptoms that only a close friend or family member would notice as unusual;
What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
Traumatic brain injury is a physical wound to the brain. Over 25% of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans evaluated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center between 2003 and 2005 were found to have TBI. If your loved one was near an IED (Improvised Explosive Device), roadside bomb, or any other blast, he or she may be at risk.
What are the symptoms of TBI?
Some symptoms of traumatic brain injury, like loss of consciousness, seizures, and loss of coordination, can show up immediately, while the following symptoms may not be noticeable for weeks or months.
- Changes in personality
- Headaches
- Weakness in extremities
- Sleep disturbances
- Poor impulse control
- Anger or violent behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
Learn more about TBI from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.
Talk to your loved one.
Talking about TBI can help you and your loved one heal sooner and increase the chance of full recovery. Use the following tips, and learn more about how to start a conversation with your friend or family member.
Get help for your Veteran.
If you think your loved one may be suffering from TBI or if they were exposed to an explosion during their deployment (even if they show no symptoms), get help as soon as possible.
- Contact your health care professional
- Find your nearest VA hospital by calling 877-222-VETS
- Call the VFW or American Legion for Veteran support services
- Contact the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
- Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for confidential information
- Encourage your loved one to talk with other Veterans on CommunityofVeterans.org
Get help for yourself.
- Talk with other family and friends in the SupportYourVet.org forum
- Contact your health care professional
- Find your nearest VA hospital by calling 877-222-VETS
- Check out the Vet Center Readjustment Services
- Visit GiveAnHour.org for free mental health services
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