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Marines with combined anti-armor team conduct weapon familiarization training June 3 at the North Training Area at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji. It was the first time for many of the Marines to fire the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon. The Marines are with the CAAT of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, which is currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. The combat correspondent captured the photo at a shutter speed of 1/160th of a second, creating a multiple-exposure effect of the AT-4 gunner, as well as capturing the dust being shaken from the Marines’ helmets as a result of the shockwave created from the concussion of the weapon’s back-blast. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam B. Miller/Released)
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Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury – or TBI – is the disruption of normal brain function caused by an external force, including a jolt or blow to the head. Not all blows or jolts to the head cause a TBI. A TBI may be classified as:

  • Mild (most common, also called a concussion)
  • Moderate
  • Severe
  • Penetrating

Possible Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling depressed, anxious or irritable
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Sleep problems
  • Trouble with memory and attention
  • Vision changes
  • Impulsivity

For more information, download the What You Should Know About Concussions and Concussion Signs and Symptoms fact sheets.

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Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Headaches and TBI: A Journey of Treatment Over Time

Dr. Joanne Gold, a pharmacist and neuroscience clinician with TBICoE, and experts from the National Museum of Health and Medicine discuss the treatment of headaches, past and present. Their conversation explores the museum's collections related to TBI and headache treatment, discusses ways to improve headache treatment, and highlights relevant TBICoE ...

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Mar 28, 2024

TBICoE Research Review: Multiple TBI/Multiple Concussion

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Prior history of TBI may predispose an individual to increased risk of subsequent TBI, which may result from less force, and lengthier recovery from post-injury symptoms. Activities such as contact sports and military service carry particular risk for multiple TBI.

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Aug 16, 2023

Walter Reed’s NICoE Scientists to Present New TBI Battlefield Biomarkers Research During 2023 MHSRS

Dr. Ping-Hong Yeh all smiles at Walter Reed in preparation for presenting new biomarkers TBI research at 2023 MHSRS. Photo Credit: DOD Ricardo Reyesguevarra

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is pleased to announce that researchers from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence will present a groundbreaking study on diagnosing traumatic brain injuries during the 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium.

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May 22, 2023

Changes in Behavior, Personality or Mood Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

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This TBICoE fact sheet can be used by health care providers to educate patients with a concussion, or mild TBI, on how to manage changes in mood related to their injury. Patients and caregivers would also find this information useful.

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Apr 17, 2023

Concussion Protocols Aid Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Concussion Protocols Aid Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Whether on the sport field or the battlefield, the Defense Health Agency is the global leader in research on the effects of concussion—known as mild traumatic brain injury—in the military. Its research has fueled the development of protocols to help providers assess and treat concussion from initial injury to acute and post-acute medical settings, ...

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Nov 16, 2022

Healthy Sleep Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

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Getting restful sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and it often takes thoughtful preparation during the day. This fact sheet offers service members and veterans who experience sleep disturbances after a concussion with healthy sleep tips that can likely improve sleep.

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Help With Ongoing Symptoms Following Concussion/Mild TBI Fact Sheet

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Although the majority of service members recover from concussion with little to no intervention, some experience symptoms beyond the first three months after their initial injury. This fact sheet addresses why symptoms continue to persist in some patients and how they can cope or seek additional help.

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Jul 30, 2020

Ways to Improve Your Memory Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

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This TBICoE fact sheet can be used by health care providers to educate patients with concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, on how to manage memory problems related to their injury.

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Neck Pain Following Concussion/mTBI Fact Sheet

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Neck pain can occur together with headaches following a concussion. This TBICoE fact sheet provides information to help patients manage neck pain. Various techniques are explained, including the use of heat or cold therapy, neck stretches, proper sleep positions and common activities that may contribute to neck strain.

Last Updated: March 07, 2024
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