Medical professionals focus on traumatic brain injuries Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Danielle Gregory 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FOCE BASE, Okla., -- With recent advances in science, technology and medicine, warfighters survive combat related injuries at a higher rate than ever before. The advances have also allowed medical professionals to better diagnose traumatic brain injuries. When a head trauma occurs and is severe enough to cause an alteration in consciousness, neurological impairment or cognitive deficits, a traumatic brain injury is assumed. "We have seen an increase in blast injuries and TBIs coming back. The Department of Defense wants us to be able to better identify those people," said Capt. Sarah Green, 72nd Medical Group staff psychologist. As of July 23, the DOD is requiring that every deploying member be tested with the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics within 12 months prior to deployment. A baseline assessment will allow for future comparative review should a suspected TBI occur. The ANAM program was created at the University of Oklahoma and will initially affect 16 bases, including Tinker AFB. The DOD has targeted bases that will deploy more than 200 military members in Aerospace Expeditionary Force cycle 4/5. Currently, members are given two post-deployment measures. The post deployment health assessment is conducted in theatre and the post-deployment health reassessment is conducted upon their return home. Both of these measures can be completed with paper and pencil or online. The ANAM will only be administered post-deployment to those members with a suspected head injury. This measure is fully computerized and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete. "This way, should something have happened while they were away, if there is any question at all, we can re-test them and identify those individuals more quickly," said Capt Green. For individuals whose screening is abnormal, further evaluation and referral will be conducted by appropriately trained and qualified providers. "Often times, people think of a head injury as physical contact only. That is not the only way the brain can sustain an injury. For example, if an individual has been involved in an explosion of any kind, the brain can be directly affected, whether or not they sustained an external, visible injury," said Capt Green. "We can help get them the proper medical attention they may need." The new ANAM program is only affecting those deploying, at this time. However, in the long run, the program goal is to have a baseline measure on all military members. "This program will assist us in the identification of those who may need help, but may not realize it. Our office is very excited about ANAM and thinks it will be a very effective program for our military members," said Capt Green.