Characterization of Lifetime TBIs in a Cohort of Recently Deployed Soldiers: The Warrior Strong Study

Objective: To describe and characterize the lifetime history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among active duty soldiers returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq. Method: Data were extracted from a larger parent study that was conducted at two large United States Army bases between 2009 and 2014 during Post-Deployment Health Assessment. The sample included 1,060 soldiers who sustained at least one TBI during their lifetime. Results: The Ohio State University TBI-Identification Method interview was administered to characterize individuals’ total lifetime history of TBI. Soldiers reported sustaining a median of 2 lifetime TBIs. Slightly more than half of the sample without a most recent deployment-related TBI still reported a history of a lifetime TBI (some of which occurred during previous deployments). Most lifetime injuries reported were of mild severity; however, 6% of individuals reported a history of moderate/severe TBI. Blast was the most frequent mechanism associated with recent deployment-related mild TBIs. Conclusion: Findings suggest that soldiers who screened positive, as well as those who screened negative, for a history of TBI during their recent deployment still endorsed a lifetime history of TBI. Future research is needed to explore the functional impact of multiple TBIs over one’s lifetime to help inform screening, assessment, and treatment among military personnel.