• 10
  • February
    2012

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in various circumstances. Whether it's the result of an auto accident or combat mission overseas, brain injuries are serious and happen to millions of individuals every year. Fortunately, first lady Michelle Obama is doing something to promote traumatic brain injury awareness.

She is announcing an initiative to partner with medical schools to improve training for doctors treating veterans, in particular, who suffer from brain trauma as a result of combat.

Under the initiative, civilian doctors and students will be provided the kind of training currently available to military doctors and surgeons. Both post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury training will be incorporated into the medical school curriculum at a number of levels and a number of training models. Since many veterans look for care for these conditions outside of veteran hospitals, this is particularly important.

Brain injuries are a serious concern for our veterans. Currently, about 20 percent of veterans suffer from PTSD or TBI and many of them are young soldiers in their 20's or 30's.

Due to the number of veterans and other individuals who sustain PTSDs and TBIs each and every year, it's vital that education and awareness continue in order to help those suffering from these injuries.

Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/MilitaryMedicine/30601