The neurometabolic cascade and implications of mTBI: mitigating risk to the SOF community

Over the last decade, our understanding of biochemical changes that occur in the brain following an injury has increased dramatically. Although we have been able to discern and image severe injury and traumatic changes using techniques like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for decades, we have only recently begun to understand the physiologic changes that occur following a mild traumatic brain injury. Understanding the pathophysiology of a disease process enables healthcare providers to treat their patients better, but military healthcare providers shoulder the additional burden of conserving the fighting force. Neurocognitive testing in concert with clinical acumen and conservative profiling enables providers to protect their patients from further injury; while educating the patient and the chain of command will prevent additional injury and long-term cognitive sequelae, ultimately preserving the fighting force.