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.

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Assessment and Management of Dizziness and Visual Disturbances Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

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This clinical recommendation provides medical staff with a single, comprehensive reference for the assessment and management of dizziness and visual disturbances following mild TBI. Dizziness and visual disturbances often present with overlapping symptoms and should prompt a provider to perform a visual and dizziness — or vestibular — assessment.

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Acute Concussion Care Pathway: MACE 2 and PRA Training

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The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence hosts a combined Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 2 and Progressive Return to Activity clinical recommendation virtual training. Attendees may earn two CEUs through the Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office.

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TBICoE Research Review: Mild TBI and PTSD

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This research review provides an in-depth summary of the available clinical research on the topic of co-morbid mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, this review will address symptoms, anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of mild TBI, PTSD, and the unique circumstances associated with the presentation of both.

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Mild TBI and PTSD Clinical Pearls

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TBICoE's "Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Pearls," is a supplemental product to the detailed research review. This resource is designed to be a brief and actionable clinical resource for providers treating service members with both mild TBI and PTSD.

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2026 TBICoE Training Calendar

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Review and download the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence's 2026 training event calendar. Providers and leaders can learn more about the Acute Concussion Care Pathway, the latest clinical recommendations for TBI management, and other important warfighter brain health topics.

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TBICoE 2026 Annual Brain Health Symposium

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The 2026 Annual Brain Health Symposium is a dynamic, full-day virtual event bringing together leaders in military medicine, neuroscience, and rehabilitation to explore the latest advances in brain health and TBI care.

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March 18: TBICoE Annual Brain Health Symposium

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Join the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence for the 2026 Annual Brain Health Symposium, a dynamic, full-day virtual event bringing together leaders in military medicine, neuroscience, and rehabilitation to explore the latest advances in brain health and TBI care. 6 CME/CEs pending

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TBICoE Education Series: Performance Nutrition After TBI

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This training examines the critical role of nutrition, supplementation, and gut health in optimizing recovery and performance following TBI. Participants will learn how specific diets and evidence-based supplements can help heal the brain, lower inflammation, and improve thinking and energy.

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2000-2025 Q2 DOD Worldwide Numbers for TBI

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TBICoE is the Defense Department’s office of responsibility for tracking traumatic brain injury data in the U.S. military. Here you’ll find data on the number of active duty service members—anywhere U.S. forces are located—with a first-time TBI diagnosis from calendar year 2000 through the second quarter of calendar year 2025. The data is also broken ...

Report
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2025 Q1-Q2 DOD Worldwide Numbers for TBI

.PDF | 1.15 MB

TBICoE is the Defense Department’s office of responsibility for tracking traumatic brain injury data in the U.S. military. Here you’ll find data on the number of active-duty service members—anywhere U.S. forces are located—with a first-time TBI diagnosis during calendar year 2025. The data is also broken down by each branch of the armed services.