Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury

Gregory A. Elder*, Effie M. Mitsis, Stephen T. Ahlers, Adrian Cristian

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

149 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)757-781
Number of pages25
JournalPsychiatric Clinics of North America
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blast-related brain injury
  • Improvised explosive device
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Traumatic brain injury

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this