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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is considered the signature injury
of the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom
(OEF/OIF) conflicts. Penetrating TBI is clearly observable and
receives immediate care. Closed TBIs are less apparent and
can go undiagnosed--this has been particularly true for mild
TBIs. Symptoms of mild TBI can include dizziness, nausea,
blurred vision, ringing in ears and depression--all of which
can be very debilitating. However, if properly diagnosed, mild TBIs can be
effectively treated. Of particular importance, therefore, are screening characteristics
and associations of the VA's TBI screening instrument. Considerable research
efforts are necessary to evaluate and improve, if necessary, its performance.
While VA HSR&D now has a growing portfolio of TBI studies, we recently solicited
concept papers for Service Directed Research projects examining the quality,
usefulness, and potential improvement of VA's screening for TBI. Of the 19
concept papers we received and reviewed, 8 were approved for full proposals
and many of the others were encouraged to submit Investigator Initiated Research
proposals to the VA ORD comprehensive TBI solicitation that included an
HSR&D component. HSR&D researchers are encouraged to consider investigations
around operational definitions for TBI, TBI screening instruments, and
tools that measure the long-term outcomes for veterans with TBI.
I strongly encourage health services researchers, clinical researchers, and
epidemiologists to continue to consider this rapidly growing area of investigation.
It is a key concern for VA and for our OEF/OIF veterans and their families.
Seth A. Eisen, M.D., M.Sc.
Director, HSR&D
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