TBI & Polytrauma Information
Polytrauma is a term used to describe serious injury in two or more body systems which can result in physical, cognitive or psychological impairments. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently occurs in polytrauma.
The term was actually created by the VA to describe injuries to multiple body parts and organs as a result of blast-related wounds, primarily among veterans who served during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
Veterans with TBI who suffer from a disabling condition will often require special levels of coordinated and clinical care along with other services. The VA has a Polytrauma System which provides comprehensive care for TBI veterans who have also suffered another disabling condition.
Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury
Because this type of disability typically includes traumatic brain injury and another disabling condition, polytrauma can be linked with a number of disabilities, including:
- Amputation
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
When a traumatic brain injury occurs, it can be considered a mild, moderate or severe and penetrating case depending on the related effects. These effects can manifest in three separate ways—effects that impact the body, mind, or the way the veteran behaves.
Physical effects
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of sense of touch
- Convulsions of seizures
Behavioral effects
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Impulsiveness
- Depression
- Loss of inhibitions or emotions
- Mood swings
Cognitive effects
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory loss
- Lack of judgment
- Communication problems
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Increased restlessness, confusion or agitation
The VA can provide a TBI screening for veterans who believe they may have suffered a TBI. Individuals who were involved in an explosion, vehicular crash or fall are especially advised to get screened for this type of injury. In TBI cases especially, early detection is critical for proper treatment.
According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, about 10 to 20 percent of Iraq veterans have some level of TBI, and among wounded troops the rate of TBI increases to 33 percent. The rate of traumatic brain injury is highest in the Army with nearly 20,000 cases reported in 2011. The majority of the cases of military TBI were considered mild to moderate.
Treating Polytrauma and TBI
The VA’s Polytrauma System of Care has five polytrauma rehabilitation centers and several more polytrauma transitional rehabilitation programs, network sites, clinical teams and points of contact. Through the referral network veterans suffering with from TBI and another disabling condition can find information on health care enrollment and treatment.
The polytrauma rehabilitation centers have teams that include case managers, physical and psychological therapists, counselors and consultative services that will work together to help the veteran get their life back on track.
Contact Vets National Advocates
Dealing with polytrauma can be difficult for the victim and their family. If you or someone you love has suffered polytrauma/TBI after being in the service, Vets National Advocates are here to help by providing you with the resources and information you need.
Suffering with service-connected TBI? Vets National Advocates, Helping Our Nation’s Veterans.
If you would like help with your veterans disability benefits claim, call 1 (877) 777-4021 or contact us online now.
