Service members in specific military occupational specialties (MOS) are operationally exposed to severe changes in air overpressure physics from them firing heavy weaponry, managing ordinance, and/or breaching-type blasts sustained primarily during training.
Even without clear signs and symptoms of serious concussion, the cumulative effects of subconcussive blast exposures are associated with uncharacteristic changes to service members' personality, emotional regulation, information processing, and stress tolerance. Difficulties in interpersonal and intimate relationships and declining family functioning are often the first areas of noticeable impact.
Blast exposures can also affect how cells and molecules create and transmit chemical messengers affecting organ function in the rest of the body, which has been linked to multi-system physical symptoms similar to those described by clinicians as Operator Syndrome (Frueh et al., 2020):
"[Operator Syndrome] includes interrelated health and functional impairments including traumatic brain injury effects; endocrine dysfunction; sleep disturbance; obstructive sleep apnea; chronic joint/back pain, orthopedic problems, and headaches; substance abuse; depression and suicide; anger; worry, rumination, and stress reactivity; marital, family, and community dysfunction; problems with sexual health and intimacy; being "on guard" or hypervigilant; memory, concentration, and cognitive impairments; vestibular and vision impairments; challenges of the transition from military to civilian life; and common existential issues."
The good news is that treatment protocols and research like those at Home Base (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston), and Road Home (Rush University Medical Center, Chicago) are restoring key elements of neurological and mental health functioning post-injury, with many active-duty participants resuming operational status.
Read more:
USSOCOM participates in blast-related TBI research:
Findings from the REBlast Study indicate behavioral and emotional struggles after repeated blast exposures is not linked with PTSD and other mental health diagnoses, but to anatomical damage to brain tissues and cells.
Key Takeaways: Repeated exposure to explosive blasts has the potential to cause brain injuries, but there is currently no diagnostic test for these injuries. In a study of 30 active-duty United States SOF personnel, researchers found that increased blast exposure was associated with structural, functional, and neuroimmune changes to the brain and a decline in health-related quality of life. The researchers are now designing a larger study to develop a diagnostic test for repeated blast brain injury.
www.massgeneral.org/news/press-release/study-identifies-signs-of-repeated-blast-related-brain-injury
Did I suffer a TBI while deployed? What steps do I take to find out?
- The signs and symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are manifested in many ways and are often individual. Basic signs and symptoms include: change in memory/focus, headaches, sleeping difficulty, loss of sex drive, confusion, emotional changes (anger, sadness), visual changes, sensitivity to light, difficulty thinking or paying attention.
TBIs can occur if you hit your head and/or if you are near a blast. You do NOT have to lose consciousness in order to suffer a TBI. If you were near a blast or your vehicle was hit by an IED or EFP, you need to be evaluated for TBI. It is okay to be evaluated weeks, months, or years after you were involved in or near an explosion.
Diagnostic Process:
*Brain MRI (Note: They are often NOT positive, but recommended in the diagnostic process)
*Vision exam by opthalmologist (make sure they know you were exposed to a blast)
*Neuropsychology evaluation (series of exams to test brain function)
You can initiate this process with your primary care provider, the VA, or military TBI clinic.
Treatment options: (tailored to individuals based on neuropysch findings)
-Occupational Therapy
-Speech Therapy
-Vision Therapy
-Interactive Metronome ** computer-based program that has been successful in TBI rehab** (www.interactivemetronome.com to learn more about the program and find a provider near you. Requires referral for Active Duty if program is not offered by military TBI clinic).
Words of encouragement:
You and your family members know YOU best. Even if you have been told that you do not have a TBI (prior to having the above tests) and you still notice changes or that "something about you isn't right", please continue to seek care and insist on going through the diagnostic process. Please feel free to contact us via our "Contact Form" if you have questions or would like us to advocate on your behalf.