The 3rd Medical Group at Elmendorf Air Force Base currently houses the Air Force's only Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) center where they've seen and treated more than 1,500 patients, most of them Army soldiers returning from the war zone.

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska (Vocus) November 19, 2008 -- The 3rd Medical Group at Elmendorf Air Force Base (http://www.elmendorf.af.mil/) currently houses the Air Force's only Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) center where they've seen and treated more than 1,500 patients, most of them Army soldiers returning from the war zone.

"With TBI being the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we thought that it would be good to start a formal TBI center here," said Maj. Peter Osterbauer, chief of neurology services at the 3rd Medical Group. Major Osterbauer and his team set up the center in February to prepare for the large number of soldiers returning from the war zone to Alaska with TBI.

Between October 2001 and October 2007, there were approximately 1.64 million U.S. troops who were deployed and, of those, approximately 320,000 troops experienced a probable traumatic brain injury during their tour.

TBI is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The Elmendorf clinic has treated more than 1,100 soldiers affected by TBI, most of whom were victims of improvised explosive device blasts. Some common symptoms of TBI include double or blurry vision, fatigue, reduced concentration, memory issues, irritability, balance and coordination problems, and ringing in the ears.

"Mild cases of TBI consist of a brief change in mental status or consciousness. Severe cases usually consist of an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury," said Major Osterbauer. "Recoveries vary from person to person, although the chances for a quick recovery for mild TBI are relatively fair -- 80 - 85 percent will fully recover over three to six months. Of the remaining 15 - 20 percent, some will recover over the course of a year or sometimes two. Most make a full recovery, but some make only a partial recovery, and some, unfortunately, make little or no improvement.

"It is key to remember that not everyone who bumps their head or is exposed to a bomb blast has a traumatic brain injury," Major Osterbauer added.

There is no magic pill that can cure TBI but medical professionals can provide the body the support it needs while it recovers.

"Support can include medications for symptomatic relief, nutritional support, counseling, or most often a combination of these," said Major Osterbauer. "Also, education and reassurance play a big role."

The Elmendorf TBI staff currently includes Major Osterbauer and another neurologist, a nurse case manager, a social worker to help with psychological effects, a nurse practitioner and a speech therapist.

(Establishing the TBI center at Elmendorf Air Force Base was part of its "Bringing Alaskans Home" initiative, which was created to prepare for the return of an entire Army airborne brigade and an Army National Guard battalion from extensive tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Elmendorf hospital was named "Best in the Air Force" in 2007 due in large part to the "Bringing Alaskans Home" program.)

For more information or to arrange a media interview, please contact Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield at (907) 552-8986.

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