Cognitive sequelae of blast-induced traumatic brain injury: recovery and rehabilitation

Neuropsychol Rev. 2012 Mar;22(1):4-20. doi: 10.1007/s11065-012-9192-3. Epub 2012 Feb 17.

Abstract

Blast-related traumatic brain injury (bTBI) poses a significant concern for military personnel engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Given the highly stressful context in which such injury occurs, psychiatric comorbidities are common. This paper provides an overview of mild bTBI and discusses the cognitive sequelae and course of recovery typical of mild TBI (mTBI). Complicating factors that arise in the context of co-morbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are considered with regard to diagnosis and treatment. Relatively few studies have evaluated the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in civilian mTBI, but we discuss cognitive training approaches that hold promise for addressing mild impairments in executive function and memory, akin to those seen in OEF/OIF veterans with bTBI and PTSD. Further research is needed to address the patient and environmental characteristics associated with optimal treatment outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries / complications*
  • Blast Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Military Personnel
  • Recovery of Function / physiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / complications
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / etiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / rehabilitation