Blast Injury/
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Services
On an almost daily basis the American armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are attacked from explosions or blast by rocket-propelled grenades and land mines. Those working in these zones are at a great risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. Blast injuries are injuries that result from the complex pressure wave generated by an explosion. Air-filled organs such as the ear, lung, and gastrointestinal tract and organs surrounded by fluid-filled cavities such as the brain and spine are especially susceptible to blast injury. Also, in a blast, brain injuries can occur by other means such as impact from blast debris or the individual being thrown.
Some of the difficulties that may be experienced from a closed blast injury may include decreased memory and attention/concentration, headaches, slower thinking, irritability, depression and sleep disturbances just to name a few. In addition, many of these individuals also suffer with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in which they may suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, being always on guard, and feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
BBRC has been approved as a provider for our servicemen and women who have sustained a closed brain injury during combat operations and our goal is to ensure that they receive the best care available.