Creatine and TBI [2025]
The purpose of this information paper is to provide a general overview of the current state of the science for using creatine to treat mild TBI and to optimize brain health and performance.
TL;DR: Research to date provides some evidence for the use of creatine supplements to improve outcomes after mild TBI, though both the dose and duration for optimal results remains unknown. Creatine may be useful in environments where warfighters are exposed to acute stressors, such as intense exercise. Given the insufficient evidence, there are no clinical guidelines for using creatine to manage or prevent TBI. Guidance from a healthcare provider or registered performance dietitian is essential before beginning creatine supplements.
Have questions about other supplements? Visit Operation Supplement Safety, DOD's go-to program for dietary supplements. OPSS's mission is to provide the best evidence-based information about dietary supplements to service members, their families, healthcare providers, and leaders to achieve human performance optimization.
Impact of Exposure to High Gravitational Forces [2025]
Military pilots of high-maneuverable fighter aircraft are often exposed to sudden changes in G-force during training and combat, which can result in periods of loss of consciousness or other neurocognitive symptoms that may impact mission and personnel safety.
TL;DR: The threshold for adverse effects of G-forces that aircraft pilots experience, such as loss of consciousness, is well documented. Known protective measures are standard components in required G-force awareness trainings for all military aviators and pilots operating high performance aircraft. However, the cumulative effects of multiple high G-force exposures on brain health and behavior have not yet been adequately investigated.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Traumatic Brain Injury [2025]
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is considered an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, but evidence of its effectiveness for the treatment of TBI and post-concussion symptoms remains inconclusive. This information paper summarizes evidence from clinical studies on the use of HBOT for treatment of TBI and post-concussion symptoms.
- Download this information paper for an overview of the evidence from both military and civilian studies on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to manage TBI.
TL;DR: Available evidence does not support the use of HBOT as an off-label or evidence-based therapy for TBI or post-concussion symptoms in military service members or civilian populations.
Omega-3 Supplements for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury [2025]
The purpose of this information paper is to provide a general overview of the current state of the science on the use of omega-3 supplements for the prevention and treatment of mild TBI.
Military High-Speed Boat Injuries [2025]
Crew members on military high-speed boats have a higher risk of chronic pain, injuries to the lower back and neck, and head injuries due to hull impacts induced by wave-slamming. Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen are particularly at higher risk. This paper discusses studies on military high-speed boat injuries with a focus on brain health. To learn more on active DOD research in this area, read about the MASHIEN study.
Neurodegenerative Diseases and Traumatic Brain Injury [2025]
The long-term effects of TBI are unknown, but there is concern that there may be an association with neurodegenerative diseases years after the injury. The intention of this information paper is to summarize the available evidence for or against an association of TBI with three of the more common neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Impact of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on the Autonomic Nervous System [2023]
The purpose of this information paper is to provide a general overview of the current evidence related to the impact of concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, on the autonomic nervous system. This paper will focus on heart rate variability, pupillary light reflex, and hyperhidrosis within the military and civilian populations. Researchers and clinicians can learn about current tools used to measure ANS and their current clinical utility at this time.