thedrifter
02-20-09, 09:12 AM
New test establishes baseline for detecting TBI
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (February 20, 2009) -- A traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.
Many military health officials cite TBI as the signature injury of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
However, TBI can be especially difficult to recognize and diagnose, especially in mild cases, according to Navy Cmdr. Juliann M. Althoff, the preventive medicine and force health protection officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force.
As a result, the Department of Defense developed a testing system whereby health officials can more effectively identify signs of neurological trauma.
The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric test is a computer-based exam that checks a person's reaction time, memory, concentration, and ability to process simple information.
In November, the DoD mandated all service members be tested before deployment.
The pre-deployment test takes about 20-30 minutes to complete is used to establish an individual's neurocognitive psychological baseline, Althoff said.
The results of the tests are stored and can be accessed and compared to a subsequent test in the event a service member sustains a brain injury.
The test was administered at Godfrey Hall here recently to Marines and sailors preparing to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to test administrator Army Lt. Col. Margaret Nava, the ANAM program deputy director for the Pacific region some people had doubts about taking the test, believing it was a some sort of I.Q. or screening test and was graded on a pass or fail basis.
She emphasized ANAM is not a screening test for deployment. It is simply a test used to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of TBI, she said.
Any service members with questions about the test should contact their health care provider, Althoff said.
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (February 20, 2009) -- A traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.
Many military health officials cite TBI as the signature injury of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
However, TBI can be especially difficult to recognize and diagnose, especially in mild cases, according to Navy Cmdr. Juliann M. Althoff, the preventive medicine and force health protection officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force.
As a result, the Department of Defense developed a testing system whereby health officials can more effectively identify signs of neurological trauma.
The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metric test is a computer-based exam that checks a person's reaction time, memory, concentration, and ability to process simple information.
In November, the DoD mandated all service members be tested before deployment.
The pre-deployment test takes about 20-30 minutes to complete is used to establish an individual's neurocognitive psychological baseline, Althoff said.
The results of the tests are stored and can be accessed and compared to a subsequent test in the event a service member sustains a brain injury.
The test was administered at Godfrey Hall here recently to Marines and sailors preparing to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to test administrator Army Lt. Col. Margaret Nava, the ANAM program deputy director for the Pacific region some people had doubts about taking the test, believing it was a some sort of I.Q. or screening test and was graded on a pass or fail basis.
She emphasized ANAM is not a screening test for deployment. It is simply a test used to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of TBI, she said.
Any service members with questions about the test should contact their health care provider, Althoff said.
Ellie