Providers
The brain is the body’s most complex organ. It controls our physical movement and perceptions, stores our memories, and regulates our behaviors, thoughts and emotion. Injury to this dynamic organ is assessed using sophisticated methods by Neurologists, Neuropsychologists, and other medical specialties who play a key role in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Since TBI can affect any aspect of physical, cognitive and behavioral function, the combination of specialties required for care and recovery is varied. These can include medical specialties such audiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, physiatry and psychiatry as well as rehabilitation specialties such as speech language pathology, physical therapy and occupational therapy. In the case of patients with severe TBI, a multi-disciplinary team is always formed to optimize care and recovery with nursing provided acutely and in the rehabilitation and home setting. Throughout the healing process, social workers guide all aspects of care, return to community, and home life.
Care for TBI begins from the earliest moment following injury, thus early identification and treatment from first responders is essential. Primary care providers must also be able to recognize the signs of head injury which may be invisible or overlooked following a traumatic event. Every healthcare provider can make a difference in the life of someone with TBI by working to understand the strategies which are used to assess and treat it.
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) develops Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the assessment and treatment of TBI in a variety of settings. Educational programs are targeted at multiple audiences with the goal of enhancing TBI care for those whose deployment is often characterized by long periods of stress, multiple blast exposure, chronic pain and separation from loved ones. Providers need to also appreciate how a patient’s health can affect their military status and the psychological effects associated with separation from ones unit.
The resources provided in this section begin to address these and other concerns specific to TBI treatment and care of military and veteran populations.
WHO MAY BE REFERRED TO THE DEFENSE AND VETERANS BRAIN INJURY CENTER (DVBIC)?
Any service member or veteran with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who is covered by TRICARE or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may be referred to DVBIC.
WHO MAY REFER SOMEONE WITH TBI TO DVBIC?
We accept self-referrals as well as referrals from family members, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers.
HOW CAN YOU REFER A PATIENT TO DVBIC?
To begin the referral process, use our Interactive Map to call the DVBIC regional office nearest to you. You can also use our Contact Us form or call 800.870.9244 and our headquarters will direct you to the appropriate staff member.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
DVBIC clinical care can address the needs of service members and veterans who sustain injuries through events that often affect the civilian population (motor vehicle crashes, falls, etc.) as well as incidents usually more unique to a military setting (blast/explosion, penetrating shrapnel, paratrooper injuries).
TBI may result in a broad range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and social challenges. DVBIC is committed to providing excellence in care that addresses the wide ranging needs of patients and their families. We work to provide services and support to help the individual with TBI return to duty, work and community. Individualized evidence-based treatment and expert case management and care coordination serve to maximize function and decrease TBI-related disability.