BUSM Researcher Highlights Training Approaches for Treating Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries

Many Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) military personnel return from deployment with blast-related mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) and co-occuring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Given the highly stressful context in which these injuries occur, psychiatric co-morbidities are common in this population.

A team of researchers led by Yelena Bogdanova, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine have conducted a review of recent research on rehabilitation for veterans suffering from blast-related mTBI and PTSD. The findings, which seek to improve cognitive rehabilitation in OEF/OIF veterans, appeared online in the February issue of Neuropsychology Review.

Although few studies have evaluated the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in mTBI, this paper highlights promising training approaches for diagnosing and treating these symptoms. “Early identification and education, with an emphasis on expectation of recovery, can reduce post-concussion symptoms and promote successful recovery,” said Bogdanova.

The combined symptoms of blast-related mTBI and PTSD can cause physical, cognitive and emotional impairments including sleep disturbance, loss of memory and depression/anxiety. With current conflicts, it is reported that blast-related mTBI is one of the most common injuries in OEF/OIF. More research is needed to provide standards for optimal cognitive rehabilitation and long-lasting treatment for veterans with these impairments.