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Traumatic Brain Injury in Combat Casualties

  • The Military Perspective (MJ Martin and M Schreiber, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to give an overview of recent updates in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military settings.

Recent Findings

Studies from the recent conflicts in Central and Southwest Asia have demonstrated that appropriate aggressive neurosurgical intervention in austere settings has been associated with improved outcomes.

Summary

Modern management of military TBI has evolved from the era of Cushing in WWI to damage control and rapid aeromedical evacuation today. Aggressive management of severe injuries has been shown to increase survival. These interventions have included an emphasis on measures to reduce secondary brain injury—aggressive cranial decompression, addressing intracranial vascular injuries, and aeromedical evacuation to facilities with neurosurgical capability. Additionally, advances in the screening of mild TBI have led to increased awareness of the prevalence of this injury and potential associated long-term effects.

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We are military service members. This work was prepared as part of our official duties. Title 17, USC, §105 provides that “copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17, USC, §101 defines a U.S. Government work as a work prepared by military servicemember or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties.

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  1. Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Patrick Walker, Joseph Bozzay, Randy Bell, Matthew Bradley & Carlos Rodriguez

  2. Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA

    Patrick Walker, Joseph Bozzay & Matthew Bradley

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  1. Patrick Walker
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Walker, P., Bozzay, J., Bell, R. et al. Traumatic Brain Injury in Combat Casualties. Curr Trauma Rep 4, 149–159 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-018-0133-3

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