Special Journal Issue on Traumatic Brain Injury

The November 2007 issue of The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) is a special, single-topic issue on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and polytrauma. Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of TBI, this issue examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel returning from combat and describes several healthcare models that are providing care and support to them and their families.

JRRD TBI and Polytrauma issue- Nov 2007

"The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a new generation of combat survivors with complex physical injuries and emotional trauma including postconcussive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, poor cognitive performance, head and back pain, auditory and visual symptoms, and problems with dizziness or balance," says Henry L. Lew, MD, PhD, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System and Guest Editor of the issue. "The purpose of this special issue is to document lessons learned that will enhance the identification and treatment of veterans with polytrauma across the country."

Topics in this issue include—

  • Treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and mild TBI
  • Military and VA telemedicine systems for patients with TBI
  • Operational description of the VA Palo Alto Polytrauma Network Site
  • Neuropsychiatric perspective on TBI.

The release of this special issue reflects VA’s continuing commitment to identifying the needs and improving the care of our wounded service members with TBI and polytrauma. In April 2007, VA issued a directive implementing mandatory screening of symptomatic TBI among all OEF/OIF veterans. VA has also established a network of Polytrauma Network Sites throughout the country to provide medical and rehabilitation care to veterans experiencing TBI and one or more major traumatic injuries.

Print and electronic copies of this issue can be obtained at no charge by sending an e-mail message to Dore.Mobley@va.gov. Please type the phrase "TBI Journal Request" in the subject line, specify the desired format (i.e., print or pdf), quantity, and include a complete mailing address in the body of your message.

All requests will be processed and acknowledged promptly.