Fort Bragg: Local DVBIC Activities

FORT BRAGG TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SERVICES
Clinical Care •Research•Education

Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
Fort Bragg, North Carolina

TBI Clinic and NeuroRehabilitation Center
Womack Army Medical Center

Download pdf version of the Fort Bragg TBI Services brochure.

WHAT IS TBI?

Traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow, jolt, or other injury to the head that disrupts the functioning of the brain. A TBI can occur from exposure to blasts, falls, gunshot wounds, and motor vehicle accidents.

Mild cases of TBI may be followed by temporary symptoms associated with concussion such as headache, dizziness, and memory problems. The symptoms of mild TBI /concussion generally improve in a short period of time.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

If you have sustained a TBI/concussion and have lingering signs and symptoms that date from the concussion, you may benefit from evaluation and treatment at the WAMC TBI Clinic. Talk with your PCM if you are unsure about the symptoms you are having and/or you may self refer to the TBI clinic.

Service members are seen by appointment Monday-Friday, 0730-1630.

The clinic is located in the WAMC Clinic Mall on the 2nd floor close to the All American hospital entrance.

DVBIC MISSION

To serve active duty military, their beneficiaries and veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through state-of-the-art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives and educational programs at twelve military sites, five VA facilities and two civilian partner programs. DVBIC Headquarters is located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

FORT BRAGG TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY SERVICES

Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) focuses on treatment for service members with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). The WAMC Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic and Neuro Rehabilitation Center (TBI/NeuroRehab) is the model for the development of TBI/Neuro Rehab centers at Military Treatment Facilities throughout the United States.

The WAMC TBI/Neuro Rehab Center provides comprehensive treatment for TBI including medical management of symptoms, speech, occupational and physical therapies for cognitive and vestibular rehabilitation. The Center also offers neuropsychological testing, patient education through classes and written materials, referral for pain management and chiropractic treatments, a family support group and educational programs.

There is also support for community wide education on the TBI Clinic and services through posters, articles, and presentations. RN Case Management and Regional Care Coordination services are available to service members and their families to help them navigate through military, VA, and civilian systems of care. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) site at Fort Bragg supports TBI clinical care, research, and education at Fort Bragg.

YOUR TBI HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TEAM

• Case Managers are Registered Nurses who help to develop individualized care plans, oversee service members medical treatment and assist to make appointments and referrals.
• Education Coordinators provide TBI education for service members, families and staff, organize community awareness events and service members/family support groups.
• Neurologists are medical doctors who have specialized training to diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
• Neuropsychologists evaluate through testing the nature and extent of impairment following TBI and plan strategies to compensate for the injury.
• Neuropsychometrists administer and score standardized neuropsychological tests under the direction of a Neuropsychologist.
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are certified advanced practice clinicians responsible for the medical management and referral of service members with TBI.
• Occupational Therapists help service members who have sustained a TBI to develop, recover or maintain their ability to perform tasks of daily living.
• Physical Therapists provide services that help restore and maintain function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.
• Regional Care Coordinators are Registered Nurses and/or Social Workers who
  track and follow up service members and families as they navigate the care system to ensure the service members care needs are met.
• Speech and Language Pathologists assist service members who have speech, language, swallowing, voice and cognitive (attention, memory, problem solving) problems to regain optimal communication.
• Research Coordinators organize, implement and monitor study protocols and data collection to further the advancement of TBI research.