Be a Brain Warrior: Protect. Treat. Optimize.

The Department of Defense leads in the treatment and research of brain-related injuries and is committed to identifying breakthroughs to improve the lives of individuals who have sustained brain injuries. DOD’s efforts address a holistic view at brain health and brain injuries—before, during, and after any blast exposure or other injury.

The DOD considers protectingtreating, and optimizing brain health a top priority.

Evergreen Brain Injury Awareness image

TBI, considered one of the signature wounds of war in the 21st century, presents complex and challenging problems for many of our service members.

More than 509,000 service members have sustained TBI since 2000, according to reports from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence.

See below for TBI resources for health care providers, leaders, service members, veterans, families, and caregivers.

Protecting Brain Health

DOD promotes and protects the health and well-being of our nation's armed forces, dedicating significant resources to close gaps in knowledge about TBI. The Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, launched in 2022, brings together multiple resources across the department to optimize brain health. The plan combats TBI by addressing multiple concerns such as blast exposures, repetitive head impacts, and TBI’s long-term effects.

Symptoms of a TBI may reappear or worsen if military training and sports or recreational activities are resumed too quickly. If you are in a leadership role, understanding what to expect and what your responsibilities are will help ensure readiness for your service members. Know how to prevent injury, actively understand and encourage the importance of seeking care, and follow proper care guidance for a medically ready force.

Service members, veterans, families, and caregivers can all Be a Brain Warrior by learning how most TBIs are sustained, how to protect themselves, and how to manage symptoms should a TBI occur.

Treating Brain Health

Most people who sustain a mild TBI (also known as concussion) recover completely. Health care providers can Be a Brain Warrior by using the latest clinical tools to treat patients and improve outcomes, keeping up with the latest research, and following the Acute Concussion Care Pathway.

Be a Brain Warrior by seeking treatment for head injuries; most people recover from concussion. Know the signs and symptoms.

Optimizing Brain Health

Staying up-to-date on clinical tools, the latest research, and training and education by TBICoE educators are ways a military health care provider can Be a Brain Warrior.

Patients, their families, and caregivers can optimize brain health and overall health and Be a Brain Warrior by seeking medical care and maintaining stability through recovery with caregiver support. Check out TBICoE’s Patient and Family Resources page for TBI fact sheets, family and caregiver guides, and other patient resources.

TBICoE Activities

View All Events

You also may be interested in...

Video
Nov 17, 2023

Warrior Care: Healing Through Art

Warrior Care: Healing Through Art

Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Scoggins describes his experience using art to recover from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. Scoggins art tells the story of his multiple suicide attempts and his journey to recovery. Scoggins, along with his art teacher, retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Greg Miller, displayed art at the Air Force Wounded Warrior Care ...

Video
Sep 21, 2023

TBI and Low-Level Blast Exposure: What Medical Providers Need to Know

TBI and Low-Level Blast Exposure: What Medical Providers Need to Know

This educational video, produced by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, focuses on the effects of low-level blast and traumatic brain injury. Its purpose is to provide supplemental information on low-level blast to health care providers and beneficiaries.

Video
Sep 12, 2023

BACH Hosts TriStar Skyline CEO and CMO

BACH Hosts TriStar Skyline CEO and CMO

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital hosted Mark Miller, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Kevin Hamilton, Chief Medical Officer, both with TriStar Skyline Medical Center, and provided them with a tour of the facilities including the Intrepid Spirit Center in anticipation of the future partnership with them.

Video
Aug 23, 2023

Will Mental Health Services Affect My Security Clearance?

Image asks the question, Will mental health services affect my security clearance?

Dr. Joshua Morganstein addresses a very common question: Will seeking mental or behavioral health services affect my security clearance? The short answer is: No. A study from 2012 - 2018 looked at 2.3 million security clearances. Of those 2.3 million clearances, almost 47,000 people reported psychological health issues. Of those 47,000 people, ...

Video
Aug 23, 2023

Top Signs You Might Need Some Help

Image says: Top signed you might need some help.

We all have difficulties. Dr. Joshua Morganstein gives us his top signals that let us know we might need some help. - not sleeping well - trouble at work - continuing conflicts with people - increased substance use (alcohol, tobacco, medication) - thinking about hurting yourself or other people This video is part of a series addressing ...

Video
Aug 23, 2023

Who can I talk to? - Some Tips for Mental Health Care

Image asks: Who can I talk to? Some tips for mental health care.

Dr. Joshua Morganstein gives some ideas on who you can talk to if you are having a difficult time. Some people you might want to talk to are a peer, a trusted supervisor, someone who has gone through what you've been through, someone who you trust to keep your confidentiality, a faith leader, a mentor, your primary care provider, or a mental ...

Video
Aug 23, 2023

3 Tips for Coming Home from Deployment

Image states three tips for coming home from deployment.

Coming home from deployment can be challenging. We might feel a sense of loss of meaning or that other people don't understand the experiences we had. Dr. Morganstein gives 3 easy tips for adjusting to life back at home. 1. Give yourself time and space. 2. Talk to your loved ones about what's going on. 3. Give your loved ones time and space ...

Video
Aug 22, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations - Part 2

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations - Part 2

Part 2 - Find the Words Is a friend having a tough time? Do you want to talk to them and don't know how? Dr. Joshua Morganstein gives 3 tips on how to talk to a friend or colleague who you think might be having a hard time. 1. Set the stage for a conversation 2. Find the words 3. Follow-up This is the second video in a series that gives ...

Video
Aug 22, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations - Part 3

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations - Part 3

Part 3 - Follow Up Is a friend having a tough time? Do you want to talk to them and don't know how? Dr. Joshua Morganstein gives 3 tips on how to talk to a friend or colleague who you think might be having a hard time. 1. Set the stage for a conversation 2. Find the words 3. Follow-up This is the third video in a series that gives advice on ...

Video
Aug 22, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations - Part 1

3 Easy Tips for Hard Conversations  - Part 1

Is a friend having a tough time? Do you want to talk to them and don't know how? Dr. Joshua Morganstein gives 3 tips on how to talk to a friend or colleague who you think might be having a hard time. 1. Set the stage for a conversation - find a time when you both have the time and aren't rushed 2. Find the words 3. Follow-up This is the first ...