OK, Doc . . . What Do I Really Have? Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Versus Traumatic Brain Injury

The authors review the diagnostic overlap that exists between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Achieving the correct diagnosis is much more difficult and the potential to inappropriately treat patients is greater than most physicians realize. The need to properly diagnose and select appropriate treatment strategies is essential, especially with TBI cases. A number of new and experimental therapies are being used to treat PTSD effectively and reverse the neurological sequelae of TBI, potentially returning to active duty Servicemembers who are undergoing a medical review board.