Trends in Traumatic Brain Injury Among U.S. Service Members Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2002-2016

Area of Science:

• Military medicine
• Neuroscience
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern for deployed service members, with limited understanding of its risk factors and trends.
• Recent conflicts have seen an increase in TBI cases among military personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the epidemiology of TBI in U.S. service members.
• To analyze the impact of policy, care, equipment, and tactics on TBI over a 15-year period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of U.S. Department of Defense Trauma Registry data from 2002-2016.
• Inclusion of service members treated for TBI at Role 3 medical facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Utilized Joinpoint and logistic regression for examining risk factors and trends.

Main Results:

• Nearly one-third (32.4%) of injured service members at Role 3 facilities sustained TBI, predominantly mild (75.8%).
• TBI rates were higher in males, in Afghanistan compared to Iraq, and in combat versus non-combat scenarios.
• TBI proportion increased over time, particularly mild and moderate TBI, with a notable rise between 2005 and 2011.

Conclusions:

• One-third of injured service members experienced TBI, highlighting the need for improved prevention strategies.
• Implementing clinical guidelines for mild TBI field management could alleviate healthcare system burdens.
• Enhanced capabilities for military field hospitals may be necessary to address TBI cases effectively.