1. Traumatic Brain Injury & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
Washington D.C.
August

2. Traumatic Brain Injury
An estimate up to 30% of OIF/OEF suffer mild, moderate and severe brain trauma
60% of bomb blast victims have TBI
Many mild injuries are remedied within 90 days
Approximately 2,000 have been treated
Many avoid screening or do not fully disclose
80% of TBI also have PTSD

3. TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Number one cause of disabilities, if strokes and dementia are included
Not one description of TBI – each one is different
IED’s create blasts of 800 to 2,000 mph
Recovery can take days, weeks, years and may be incomplete

4. Common Symptoms Alertness and Concentration can be Impaired
Self Awareness can be Distorted
Inaccurate Perceptions
Memory and Learning
Reasoning and Planning
Problem Solving
Speech and Language
Motor Control
Emotions

5. Working with Individuals with TBI
Encourage use of notebook
Gently remind the person of correct details of past and present events
Confirm accurate information with other people
Arrange for consistency in routine tasks
Limit changes in daily routine
Provide detailed explanations of even the most basic changes
Realize that fatigue is a huge factor

6. What to Do Start the process back to work slowly
Have them do volunteer work a few hours a day
Connect with their peers at work
Maybe start with a part time job that is low stress and somewhat routine
Utilize strategies like work-hardening, and supported employment
Work closely with their supervisor while they get back into their previous job, if possible

7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many do not seek help – do not want to be seen as “weak”
May feel great guilt – just for surviving
Do not recognize own symptoms for a long time
Often a major event will bring PTSD to surface

8. Possible Symptoms Sleep problems Restlessness
Overly watchful or hyper vigilant
Social withdrawal
Headaches or changes in personality
Anger outbursts, out of character
Changes in alcohol use
Risk taking behaviors
Thoughts of death

9. PTSD – What to do
Follow your health professional’s advice; take medication, continue with therapy
Take care of themselves
Don’t self medicate
Break the cycle
Talk to someone
Consider a support group

10. PTSD – How you can help Ask what jobs they would consider
Avoid highly stressful jobs
Monitor them closely on the job
Make sure they are following the recommended
guidelines from their therapist
Have them keep a log of what seems to trigger their emotions and then ask what they think causes problems at work or what they are experiencing on the job now.