title: Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury.
abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Blast exposure has been the most common cause of TBI, occurring through multiple mechanisms. What is less clear is whether the primary blast wave causes brain damage through mechanisms that are distinct from those common in civilian TBI and whether multiple exposures to low-level blast can lead to long-term sequelae. Complicating TBI in soldiers is the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder. At present, the relationship is unclear. Resolution of these issues will affect both treatment strategies and strategies for the protection of troops in the field.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. gregory.elder@va.gov
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Elder
authors.forename: Effie M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Mitsis
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Ahlers
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cristian
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008889:Military Personnel; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014857:Warfare