Article

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ongoing Clinical Tracking Form (CTF) study of the
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC).
DESIGN: Prospective
longitudinal study. Data at baseline and postinjury are collected on participants
through interview and questionnaire, review of medical records, and periodic
follow-ups throughout their lifetime. SETTING: A regional DVBIC site located at a
Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=211; age range,
18-75y) were enrolled between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, at a
regional DVBIC site. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injury
information, functioning, and psychological health. RESULTS: Sixty percent of 211
participants were identified as having severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
14% moderate TBIs, and 26% mild TBIs. Of these 211 participants, 79% sustained
closed head injuries, 15% penetrating head injuries, and 6% were not reported.
Comparing the severity of TBI in combat versus stateside situations, most of the
mild injuries (71%) occurred in combat locations, while most of the severe
injuries (62%) occurred in the United States. Among those injured in combat,
blast-related TBIs (82%) greatly outnumbered non-blast-related TBIs, regardless
of severity. CONCLUSIONS: The CTF study serves as a significant resource of data
to understand the effect and outcomes of TBI in the military population. The
lifelong experience of military veterans across the full spectrum of TBI and
recovery will be recorded through the CTF, and will translate into more informed
clinical decisions and educational efforts to guide future research pathways.
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Langue : ANGLAIS