JRRD releases single-topic issue on traumatic brain injury and polytrauma

The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) has released a single-topic issue on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and polytrauma.

Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of TBI, this issue examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel returning from combat and describes several healthcare models that are providing care and support to them and their families.

“The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a new generation of combat survivors with complex physical injuries and emotional trauma including postconcussive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, poor cognitive performance, head and back pain, auditory and visual symptoms, and problems with dizziness or balance,” says Henry L. Lew, MD, PhD, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System and Guest Editor of the issue. “The purpose of this special issue is to document lessons learned that will enhance the identification and treatment of veterans with polytrauma across the country.”

Topics in this issue include:

• Treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and mild TBI
• Military and VA telemedicine systems for patients with TBI
• Operational description of the VA Palo Alto Polytrauma Network Site
• Neuropsychiatric perspective on TBI.

http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/