Traumatic Brain Injury in Combat Casualties

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to give an overview of recent updates in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military settings. Recent Findings: Studies from the recent conflicts in Central and Southwest Asia have demonstrated that appropriate aggressive neurosurgical intervention in austere settings has been associated with improved outcomes. Summary: Modern management of military TBI has evolved from the era of Cushing in WWI to damage control and rapid aeromedical evacuation today. Aggressive management of severe injuries has been shown to increase survival. These interventions have included an emphasis on measures to reduce secondary brain injury—aggressive cranial decompression, addressing intracranial vascular injuries, and aeromedical evacuation to facilities with neurosurgical capability. Additionally, advances in the screening of mild TBI have led to increased awareness of the prevalence of this injury and potential associated long-term effects.