An estimated 50% of military personnel wounded in combat return with some form of traumatic brain injury (TBI—mild, moderate, or severe).  TBI is a form of brain damage resulting from a sudden jolt, blow, or penetrating head injury.  Most commonly these injuries occur when the head strikes an immovable object, the person is hit in the head, or waves of energy emanate from an explosion.  Service personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan most frequently experience explosives or blasts.  A recent study found that 20% screened positive on the initial VA TBI screen (Jackson et al., 2008).  The implications of TBI are staggering, as it has been reported to be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (Corrigan & Cole, 2008).

Corrigan JD, Cole TB.  Substance use disorders and clinical management of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.  JAMA.  2008:300(6);720-1.

Jackson GL, Hamilton NS, Tupler LA.  Detecting traumatic brain injury among veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.  NC Medical Journal.  2008:69(1);43-7.

According to a 2008 article in the North Carolina Medical Journal, 80 percent of the nearly 3000 veterans screened for TBI at the Durham, North Carolina VAMC between April and September 2007, were OIF/OEF veterans. The article went on to estimate that one-third of the TBI-affected individuals will develop chronic symptoms.

The NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services is the Lead Agency for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in North Carolina.   The agency works in collaboration with the NC Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council, which was established by state law. The Division provides state funding to local agencies for services to people with TBI. This may include military service members and their families. (Find Local Contacts) Special efforts are being made by the Division to make sure that veterans with TBI and their families receive the help they need:
Federal Grant – The Division was awarded a competitive federal grant to:
Increase access to community based services for social support, cognitive training and pre-vocational services for individuals with TBI.

Prepare families with knowledge and strategies to successfully address barriers in accessing community help and related services.

Increase competence of substance abuse providers in the community for improved identification, assessment and treatment of individuals with TBI.

Because of their high risk for TBI, service members and veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) will be of special focus for these services.