Factors associated with mild traumatic brain injury in veterans and military personnel: A systematic review

Maya E. O'Neil, Kathleen F. Carlson, Daniel Storzbach, Lisa A. Brenner, Michele Freeman, Ana R. Quiñones, Makalapua Motu'Apuaka, Devan Kansagara

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

A history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common among military members who served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). We completed a systematic review to describe the cognitive, mental health, physical health, functional, social, and cost consequences of mTBI in Veteran and military personnel. Of 2668 reviewed abstracts, the 31 included studies provided very low strength evidence for the questions of interest. Cognitive, physical, and mental health symptoms were commonly reported by Veterans/military members with a history of mTBI. On average, these symptoms were not significantly more common in those with a history of mTBI than in those without, although a lack of significant mean differences does not preclude the possibility that some individuals could experience substantial effects related to mTBI history. Evidence of potential risk or protective factors moderating mTBI outcomes was unclear. Although the overall strength of evidence is very low due to methodological limitations of included studies, our findings are consistent with civilian studies. Appropriate re-integration services are needed to address common comorbid conditions, such as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, headaches, and other difficulties that Veterans and members of the military may experience after deployment regardless of mTBI history.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)249-261
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 24 2014

Keywords

  • Cognitive functioning
  • Combat deployment
  • Deployment related conditions
  • Mild traumatic brain injury
  • Military
  • Systematic review
  • Veteran

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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