1
|
Wadhawan A, Stiller JW, Potocki E, Okusaga O, Dagdag A, Lowry CA, Benros ME, Postolache TT. Traumatic Brain Injury and Suicidal Behavior: A Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 68:1339-1370. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-181055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Wadhawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John W. Stiller
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Neurology Consultation Service, Washington, DC, USA
- Maryland State Athletic Commission, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eileen Potocki
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olaoluwa Okusaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aline Dagdag
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael E. Benros
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Teodor T. Postolache
- Department of Psychiatry, Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5, VA Capitol Health Care Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yeh P, Guan Koay C, Wang B, Morissette J, Sham E, Senseney J, Joy D, Kubli A, Yeh C, Eskay V, Liu W, French LM, Oakes TR, Riedy G, Ollinger J. Compromised Neurocircuitry in Chronic Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:352-369. [PMID: 27629984 PMCID: PMC6867097 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to apply recently developed automated fiber segmentation and quantification methods using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and DTI-based deterministic and probabilistic tractography to access local and global diffusion changes in blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury (bmTBI). Two hundred and two (202) male active US service members who reported persistent post-concussion symptoms for more than 6 months after injury were recruited. An additional forty (40) male military controls were included for comparison. DTI results were examined in relation to post-concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. No significant group difference in DTI metrics was found using voxel-wise analysis. However, group comparison using tract profile analysis and tract specific analysis, as well as single subject analysis using tract profile analysis revealed the most prominent white matter microstructural injury in chronic bmTBI patients over the frontal fiber tracts, that is, the front-limbic projection fibers (cingulum bundle, uncinate fasciculus), the fronto-parieto-temporal association fibers (superior longitudinal fasciculus), and the fronto-striatal pathways (anterior thalamic radiation). Effects were noted to be sensitive to the number of previous blast exposures, with a negative association between fractional anisotropy (FA) and time since most severe blast exposure in a subset of the multiple blast-exposed group. However, these patterns were not observed in the subgroups classified using macrostructural changes (T2 white matter hyperintensities). Moreover, post-concussion symptoms and PTSD symptoms, as well as neuropsychological function were associated with low FA in the major nodes of compromised neurocircuitry. Hum Brain Mapp 38:352-369, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping‐Hong Yeh
- Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineRockledgeMaryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Cheng Guan Koay
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Binquan Wang
- Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineRockledgeMaryland
| | - John Morissette
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Elyssa Sham
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Justin Senseney
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - David Joy
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Alex Kubli
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Chen‐Haur Yeh
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Victora Eskay
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Wei Liu
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Louis M. French
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM)Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)BethesdaMaryland
| | - Terrence R. Oakes
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| | - Gerard Riedy
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM)Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)BethesdaMaryland
| | - John Ollinger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMaryland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
This article reviews possible ways that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce migraine-type post-traumatic headaches (PTHs) in children, adults, civilians, and military personnel. Several cerebral alterations resulting from TBI can foster the development of PTH, including neuroinflammation that can activate neural systems associated with migraine. TBI can also compromise the intrinsic pain modulation system and this would increase the level of perceived pain associated with PTH. Depression and anxiety disorders, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are associated with TBI and these psychological conditions can directly intensify PTH. Additionally, depression and PTSD alter sleep and this will increase headache severity and foster the genesis of PTH. This article also reviews the anatomic loci of injury associated with TBI and notes the overlap between areas of injury associated with TBI and PTSD.
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Chronic pain, especially headache, is an exceedingly common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In fact, paradoxically, the milder the TBI, the more likely one is to develop headaches. The environment of injury and the associated comorbidities can have a significant impact on the frequency and severity of headaches and commonly serve to direct management of the headaches. Trauma likely contributes to the development of headaches via alterations in neuronal signaling, inflammation, and musculoskeletal changes. The clinical picture of the patient with post-traumatic headaches is often that of a mixed headache disorder with features of tension-type headaches as well as migrainous headaches. Treatment of these headaches is thus often guided by the predominant characteristics of the headaches and can include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies. Pharmacologic therapies include both abortive and prophylactic agents with prophylaxis targeting comorbidities, primarily impaired sleep. Nonpharmacologic interventions for post-traumatic headaches include thermal and physical modalities as well as cognitive behavioral approaches. As with many postconcussive symptoms, headaches can lessen with time but in up to 25% of patients, chronic headaches are long-term residua.
Collapse
|
5
|
Concussion in the Military: an Evidence-Base Review of mTBI in US Military Personnel Focused on Posttraumatic Headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2016; 20:37. [DOI: 10.1007/s11916-016-0572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
6
|
Bush SS, Bass C. Assessment of validity with polytrauma Veteran populations. NeuroRehabilitation 2015; 36:451-62. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-151233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
7
|
Moriarty H, Winter L, Robinson K, True G, Piersol C, Vause-Earland T, Iacovone DB, Holbert L, Newhart B, Fishman D, Short TH. Exploration of Individual and Family Factors Related to Community Reintegration in Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2015; 21:195-211. [PMID: 26156059 DOI: 10.1177/1078390315591879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community reintegration (CR) poses a major problem for military veterans who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Factors contributing to CR after TBI are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To address the gap in knowledge, an ecological framework was used to explore individual and family factors related to CR. DESIGN Baseline data from an intervention study with 83 veterans with primarily mild to moderate TBI were analyzed. Instruments measured CR, depressive symptoms, physical health, quality of the relationship with the family member, and sociodemographics. Posttraumatic stress disorder and TBI characteristics were determined through record review. RESULTS Five variables that exhibited significant bivariate relationships with CR (veteran rating of quality of relationship, physical functioning, bodily pain, posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis, and depressive symptoms) were entered into hierarchical regression analysis. In the final analysis, the five variables together accounted for 35% of the variance, but only depression was a significant predictor of CR, with more depressed veterans exhibiting lower CR. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to support CR of Veterans with TBI should carefully assess and target depression, a modifiable factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Moriarty
- Helene Moriarty, PhD, RN, Nursing Service, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova University College of Nursing, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Laraine Winter
- Laraine Winter, PhD, Nursing Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keith Robinson
- Keith Robinson, MD, Polytrauma Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gala True
- Gala True, PhD, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Piersol
- Catherine Piersol, PhD, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson University, School of Health Professions, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tracey Vause-Earland
- Tracey Vause-Earland, MS, OTR/L, Thomas Jefferson University, School of Health Professions, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dolores Blazer Iacovone
- Dolores Blazer Iacovone, MS, OTR/L, CDRS, Polytrauma Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Holbert
- Laura Holbert, MSW, Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Newhart
- Brian Newhart, MSW, Polytrauma Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deborah Fishman
- Deborah Fishman, RN, MSN, Nursing Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas H Short
- Thomas H. Short, PhD, PStat®, John Carroll University, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University Heights, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Theeler B, Lucas S, Riechers RG, Ruff RL. Post-traumatic headaches in civilians and military personnel: a comparative, clinical review. Headache 2014; 53:881-900. [PMID: 23721236 DOI: 10.1111/head.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is the most frequent symptom after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We review the epidemiology and characterization of PTH in military and civilian settings. PTH appears to be more likely to develop following mild TBI (concussion) compared with moderate or severe TBI. PTH often clinically resembles primary headache disorders, usually migraine. For migraine-like PTH, individuals who had the most severe headache pain had the highest headache frequencies. Based on studies to date in both civilian and military settings, we recommend changes to the current definition of PTH. Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are frequently associated with TBI, especially in military populations and in combat settings. PTSD can complicate treatment of PTH as a comorbid condition of post-concussion syndrome. PTH should not be treated as an isolated condition. Comorbid conditions such as PTSD and sleep disturbances also need to be treated. Double-blind placebo-controlled trials in PTH population are necessary to see whether similar phenotypes in the primary headache disorders and PTH will respond similarly to treatment. Until blinded treatment trials are completed, we suggest that, when possible, PTH be treated as one would treat the primary headache disorder(s) that the PTH most closely resembles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Theeler
- Department of Neurology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vermetten E, Greenberg N, Boeschoten MA, Delahaije R, Jetly R, Castro CA, McFarlane AC. Deployment-related mental health support: comparative analysis of NATO and allied ISAF partners. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2014; 5:23732. [PMID: 25206953 PMCID: PMC4138710 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v5.23732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For years there has been a tremendous gap in our understanding of the mental health effects of deployment and the efforts by military forces at trying to minimize or mitigate these. Many military forces have recently systematized the mental support that is provided to support operational deployments. However, the rationale for doing so and the consequential allocation of resources are felt to vary considerably across North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) International Security Assistance (ISAF) partners. This review aims to compare the organization and practice of mental support by five partnering countries in the recent deployment in Afghanistan in order to identify and compare the key methods and structures for delivering mental health support, describe bottlenecks and illustrate new developments. METHOD Information was collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key military mental healthcare stakeholders. The review resulted from close collaboration between key military mental healthcare professionals within the Australian Defense Forces (ADF), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), United Kingdom Armed Forces (UK), Netherlands Armed Forces (NLD), and the United States Army (US). Key stakeholders were interviewed about the mental health support provided during a serviceperson's military career. The main items discussed were training, prevention, early identification, intervention, and aftercare in the field of mental health. RESULTS All forces reported that much attention was paid to mental health during the individual's military career, including deployment. In doing so there was much overlap between the rationale and applied methods. The main method of providing support was through training and education. The educative focus was to strengthen the mental resilience of individual soldiers while providing a range of mental healthcare services. All forces had abandoned standard psychological debriefing after critical incidents. Instead, by default, mental healthcare professionals acted to support the leader and peer led "after action" reviews. All countries provided professional mental support close to the front line, aimed at early detection and early return to normal activities within the unit. All countries deployed a mental health support team that consisted of a range of mental health staff including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and chaplains. There was no overall consensus in the allocation of mental health disciplines in theatre. All countries (except the US) provided troops with a third location decompression (TLD) stop after deployment, which aimed to recognize what the deployed units had been through and to prepare them for transition home. The US conducted in-garrison 'decompression', or 'reintegration training' in the US, with a similiar focus to TLD. All had a reasonably comparable infrastructure in the field of mental healthcare. Shared bottlenecks across countries included perceived stigma and barriers to care around mental health problems as well as the need for improving the awareness and recognition of mental health problems among service members. CONCLUSION This analysis demonstrated that in all five partners state-of-the-art preventative mental healthcare was included in the last deployment in Afghanistan, including a positive approach towards strengthening the mental resilience, a focus on self-regulatory skills and self-empowerment, and several initiatives that were well-integrated in a military context. These initiatives were partly/completely implemented by the military/colleagues/supervisors and applicable during several phases of the deployment cycle. Important new developments in operational mental health support are recognition of the role of social leadership and enhancement of operational peer support. This requires awareness of mental problems that will contribute to reduction of the barriers to care in case of problems. Finally, comparing mental health support services across countries can contribute to optimal preparation for the challenges of military deployment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vermetten
- Military Mental Health Research, Department of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Research Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Academic Centre for Defence Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, Kings College London, London, UK
| | | | - Roos Delahaije
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Defense Safety and Security, Soesterberg, The Netherlands
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Directorate of Mental Health, Health Services Group, National Defence, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Carl A. Castro
- School of Social Work, University Southern California, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yeh PH, Wang B, Oakes TR, French LM, Pan H, Graner J, Liu W, Riedy G. Postconcussional disorder and PTSD symptoms of military-related traumatic brain injury associated with compromised neurocircuitry. Hum Brain Mapp 2013; 35:2652-73. [PMID: 24038816 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common combat injury, often through explosive blast, and produces heterogeneous brain changes due to various mechanisms of injury. It is unclear whether the vulnerability of white matter differs between blast and impact injury, and the consequences of microstructural changes on neuropsychological function are poorly understood in military TBI patients. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques were used to assess the neurocircuitry in 37 U.S. service members (29 mild, 7 moderate, 1 severe; 17 blast and 20 nonblast), who sustained a TBI while deployed, compared to 14 nondeployed, military controls. High-dimensional deformable registration of MRI diffusion tensor data was followed by fiber tracking and tract-specific analysis along with region-of-interest analysis. DTI results were examined in relation to post-concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The most prominent white matter microstructural injury for both blast and nonblast patients was in the frontal fibers within the fronto-striatal (corona radiata, internal capsule) and fronto-limbic circuits (fornix, cingulum), the fronto-parieto-occipital association fibers, in brainstem fibers, and in callosal fibers. Subcortical superior-inferiorly oriented tracts were more vulnerable to blast injury than nonblast injury, while direct impact force had more detrimental effects on anterior-posteriorly oriented tracts, which tended to cause heterogeneous left and right hemispheric asymmetries of white matter connectivity. The tractography using diffusion anisotropy deficits revealed the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cerebellar-cortical (CSTCC) networks, where increased post-concussion and PTSD symptoms were associated with low fractional anisotropy in the major nodes of compromised CSTCC neurocircuitry, and the consequences on cognitive function were explored as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hong Yeh
- Traumatic Brain Injury Image Analysis Lab, Department of Radiology, Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rosenthal JF, Erickson JC. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in U.S. Soldiers With Post-Traumatic Headache. Headache 2013; 53:1564-72. [DOI: 10.1111/head.12200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay C. Erickson
- Neurology Service; Madigan Army Medical Center; Tacoma WA USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Peskind ER, Brody D, Cernak I, McKee A, Ruff RL. Military- and sports-related mild traumatic brain injury: clinical presentation, management, and long-term consequences. J Clin Psychiatry 2013; 74:180-8; quiz 188. [PMID: 23473351 PMCID: PMC5904388 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.12011co1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CME Background Articles are selected for credit designation based on an assessment of the educational needs of CME participants, with the purpose of providing readers with a curriculum of CME articles on a variety of topics throughout each volume. Activities are planned using a process that links identified needs with desired results. Participants may receive credit by reading the article, correctly answering at least 70% of the questions in the Posttest, and completing the Evaluation. The Posttest and Evaluation are now available online only at PSYCHIATRIST.COM (Keyword: February). CME Objective After studying the Commentary by Peskind et al, you should be able to: Accreditation Statement The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Note The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 1 hour of Category I credit for completing this program. Date of Original Release/Review This educational activity is eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ through February 29, 2016. The latest review of this material was January 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine R Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ruff RL, Riechers RG, Wang XF, Piero T, Ruff SS. A case-control study examining whether neurological deficits and PTSD in combat veterans are related to episodes of mild TBI. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e000312. [PMID: 22431700 PMCID: PMC3312078 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury among military personnel serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. The impact of repeated episodes of combat mTBI is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate relationships among mTBI, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and neurological deficits (NDs) in US veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. METHODS This was a case-control study. From 2091 veterans screened for traumatic brain injury, the authors studied 126 who sustained mTBI with one or more episodes of loss of consciousness (LOC) in combat. Comparison groups: 21 combat veterans who had definite or possible episodes of mTBI without LOC and 21 veterans who sustained mTBI with LOC as civilians. RESULTS Among combat veterans with mTBI, 52% had NDs, 66% had PTSD and 50% had PTSD and an ND. Impaired olfaction was the most common ND, found in 65 veterans. The prevalence of an ND or PTSD correlated with the number of mTBI exposures with LOC. The prevalence of an ND or PTSD was >90% for more than five episodes of LOC. Severity of PTSD and impairment of olfaction increased with number of LOC episodes. The prevalence of an ND for the 34 combat veterans with one episode of LOC (4/34=11.8%) was similar to that of the 21 veterans of similar age and educational background who sustained civilian mTBI with one episode of LOC (2/21=9.5%, p-NS). CONCLUSIONS Impaired olfaction was the most frequently recognised ND. Repeated episodes of combat mTBI were associated with increased likelihood of PTSD and an ND. Combat setting may not increase the likelihood of an ND. Two possible connections between mTBI and PTSD are (1) that circumstances leading to combat mTBI likely involve severe psychological trauma and (2) that altered cerebral functioning following mTBI may increase the likelihood that a traumatic event results in PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Louis Ruff
- Neurology Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Polytrauma System of Care, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ronald George Riechers
- Neurology Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Polytrauma System of Care, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiao-Feng Wang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Traci Piero
- Polytrauma System of Care, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Suzanne Smith Ruff
- Polytrauma System of Care, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Psychology Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|