Neurobehavioral symptoms in U.S. special operations forces in rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury: A TBI model systems study
Publications
Model System:
TBI
Reference Type:
Journal article
Accession No.:
J89811
Journal:
Military Medicine
Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):
, , ,
Publication Website:
Abstract:
Study compared Special Operations Forces (SOF) versus conventional forces (CF) personnel regarding the presence of neurobehavioral symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were drawn from the Veterans Affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems Cohort, which includes service members and veterans (SM/V) who received inpatient rehabilitation for TBI at one of the five VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. The study sample include 342 participants; 129 participants identified as SOF (average age=43 years, 98 percent male) and 213 identified as CF (average age = 38.7 years, 91 percent male). SOF and CF were compared on demographics, injury characteristics, and psychological and behavioral health symptoms. These variables were then used to predict neurobehavioral symptom severity in univariable and multivariable analyses. SOF personnel reported significantly greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms but less alcohol and drug use than the CF. SOF also reported greater neurobehavioral symptoms. When SOF status was not associated with neurobehavioral symptom severity, while race, mechanism of TBI, and PTSD symptoms were. When examining only those with mild TBI, SOF status was associated with lower neurobehavioral symptoms, while PTSD severity, white race, and certain mechanisms of injury were associated with greater neurobehavioral symptoms. Results indicated that among those receiving inpatient treatment for TBI, SOF SM/V reported higher neurobehavioral and symptom severity. PTSD was the strongest predictor of neurobehavioral symptoms and should be considered an important treatment target in both SOF and CF with co-morbid PTSD/TBI. A proactive human performance approach towards identification and treatment of psychological and neurobehavioral symptoms is recommended for SOF.
