When you watch and read about people affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI), you can understand how the experience can be life changing—not only for the injured person, but also for those who care about them. Throughout March, we increased our efforts to make you aware of signs and symptoms of TBI and resources available for service members, families and providers. Here is a round-up of last month’s news highlights and resources:

• How to Prevent TBI
  Do you always wear a helmet? A seat belt when you drive? In many cases, TBI can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Share these tips to help you and your loved ones reduce the chance of sustaining a brain injury.
• DCoE March Webinar Focuses on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
  Mild TBI, also known as concussion, is the most common form of TBI sustained in the military and often challenging to identify. Speakers discussed the impact of concussion in service members and described screening programs and measures implemented across the Defense Department to facilitate appropriate care. The webinar presentation and audio are available online.
• One Veteran’s Delayed Diagnosis
  Loss of balance, pulsing headaches, hearing loss, depression and sleep problems are common symptoms associated with TBI. Samuel Console, a retired Pennsylvania Army National Guard lieutenant, sustained a TBI in Iraq from an improvised explosive device blast in 2005. It was the ongoing physical and psychological symptoms Console experienced that helped lead to his TBI diagnosis six years later.
• DCoE Raises Awareness of Brain Injury Tools for Providers during Live Twitterview
  We held a live discussion on Twitter with DCoE Deputy Director for TBI Kathy Helmick to inform health care providers about relevant and emerging TBI information and resources to better diagnose, evaluate and treat service members and veterans. We highlighted the resource, “Co-occurring Conditions Toolkit: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health,” in this blog post.
• Navy Chaplain Recalls Journey in Real Warriors Campaign Video Profile
  After reaching out for psychological health care and support, Navy Cmdr. (Chaplain) Steve Dundas reflects on his deployment to Iraq, and discusses the tools and tips he learned for coping with post-traumatic stress disorder in a video profile. Watch and share this video with others!
• Frontline Psych with Doc Bender: 24/7 Help at Veterans Crisis Line
  Dr. James Bender, DCoE psychologist, reminded us of a free, confidential resource for service members and veterans in emotional crisis—Veterans Crisis Line. The crisis line is available 24/7 by calling 800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing “1,” online chat or text message to 838255.

Don’t miss out on what we’re doing in April! Stay connected with DCoE: Look for news articles and blog posts on the DCoE website, and join conversations happening on our Facebook and Twitter profiles throughout the month.