FORT BRGG, N.C. - The TBI Clinic, as the Traumatic Brain Injury/NeuroRehabilitation Center at Womack Army Medical Center is known, was established in April 2007, to treat Soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. A traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows/jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity may range from mild (confusion, amnesia or minimal loss of consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury).

Common symptoms of concussion include headaches, memory and/or sleep problems, dizziness, balance problems, vision changes, mood changes and fatigue. Symptoms can last minutes, days or weeks. Time and rest are needed for healing as you would expect for any injury. About 10 percent of patients with concussions continue to have chronic symptoms.

Soldiers who have experienced an injury and are concerned about symptoms may self refer to the TBI Clinic or see their primary care provider for a referral. The TBI/NeuroRehabilitation Center is a complete medical service designed to help Soldiers from injury, through treatment and rehabilitation, and return to duty. A large treatment team of more than 30 healthcare providers is available to help Soldiers on their road to recovery.

A Soldier's first visit to the WAMC TBI/NeuroRehab Center provides an opportunity to describe the injury event, present medical history, share current symptoms he/she is experiencing, list medication being taken, and undergo a physical/neurological exam.

The TBI healthcare provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, will adjust and/or prescribe medication if needed, may order lab work and/or X-rays, and refer the Soldier to other TBI treatment team healthcare providers for evaluation. This process involves a series of appointments over a two week time period. The Soldier's evaluation results will be reviewed by the TBI evaluation and treatment team that meets weekly to discuss Soldier's progress in the TBI treatment program.

For more information, contact Lt. Cmdr. Scott Klimp, director of clinical care at scott.klimp@us.army.mil, or Kathy Bell, education coordinator at 497-5900, ext. 225.