CU Center for COMBAT Research’s Post

Congress is pushing revolutionary research on #psychedelic treatments for the military. A provision in the annual defense bill would have the Pentagon run clinical trials for members of the military with post-traumatic stress disorder. Read more via The Intercept: https://bit.ly/3v1JVlM #Science #PsychedelicResearch #Psychedelics

MISSION ZERO: Congress’s Great Idea to Keep Military Surgeons Ready for Deployment In today’s polarized political landscape, many Americans doubt whether our elected leaders can collaborate on any issue. While partisan conflicts dominate headlines, it’s crucial to acknowledge Congress’s positive, albeit lesser-known, achievements, especially bipartisan policies. One such policy is MISSION Zero, a groundbreaking program enacted in 2019 that allows military trauma specialists to collaborate with civilian trauma centers. Despite its modest cost, MISSION Zero has proven invaluable,... Read more... https://lnkd.in/eUrUu5m8

🚀 Innovating Pain Management for Combat Zones In the realm of military healthcare, the quest for effective pain management solutions is both critical and challenging. A recent article from Task & Purpose sheds light on this pressing issue, highlighting the limitations of traditional pain relief methods such as morphine in combat zones. As an AHS capabilities developer, I’m particularly excited about the exploration of alternatives like ketamine and fentanyl lollipops. These options not only promise to overcome some of the drawbacks of conventional treatments but also open the door to more innovative approaches in pain relief. The article emphasizes the necessity of modernizing our approach to pain management for U.S. military personnel. It’s a compelling call to action for healthcare professionals, researchers, and developers alike to prioritize the development of new, effective pain relief methods. This discussion is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of military service and healthcare innovation. Let’s dive into the full article and join the conversation on how we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve. 🔗 Dive into the full discussion here: Task & Purpose Article #MilitaryHealthcare #PainManagement #Innovation #HealthTech

This compelling article confronts the critical issue of brain injuries within the military, highlighted by the courageous act of a 29-year-old Navy SEAL who donated his brain for research after suspecting damage from blast exposure. Key takeaways: 1️. A Navy SEAL's selfless gesture underscores the urgency of understanding and addressing brain injuries resulting from combat and training activities. 2️. Blast exposure can have profound and lasting effects on cognitive function and mental health, necessitating comprehensive support and treatment. 3️. Continued research and collaboration are essential to develop effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. Let's honor the sacrifice of servicemen like this Navy SEAL by amplifying awareness and advocacy for improved resources and care for those affected by brain injuries.  Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our military personnel and their families. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/erqZ8rF6 #Healthcare #Military #BrainInjuries #MedicalResearch #Neuroscience #Veterans #MentalHealth #BrainInjury

This study found substantial increases in the diagnosis of chronic pain among active-duty servicewomen and civilian dependents affiliated with the military during a period of heightened deployment intensity (2006-2013). https://ja.ma/4cLnrG4

Our latest publication exploring moral injury and deployment related encounters with children is now available. We have much to learn about preventing moral injuries and preparing military personnel for increased and complex encounters with children in fragile contexts. Many thanks to the Veterans who shared their experiences and for their willingness to improve conditions for children and those who serve to protect them. https://lnkd.in/dRF2FSZ6

Our article from Task & Purpose highlights the critical need for modernizing pain management solutions for U.S. military personnel in combat zones. It points out the limitations of current options like morphine, explores the potential of alternatives such as ketamine and fentanyl lollipops, and stresses the importance of developing new, effective pain relief methods. A must-read for those interested in military healthcare innovation. Dive into the full discussion here (https://lnkd.in/edmJ_iSp)

What is your thought regarding repeated #concussive #brain #injury? Should military members be concerned about the Department of Defense position that brain injury is primarily limited to road side expolsions and combat fire? Probably not. The military identified approximately 14 weapons that cause concussive forces. What is the proper way to handle the known risks, especially for military members? Of course, nobody will be able to prove that concussive brain injury caused the Maine shooting, but more likely than not prior behavior and peer reports should have provided guidance.

Exposure to substantial repeated blast shock waves or concussions can lead to brain tissue damage. Brain damage from Military service, contact Sports, domestic violence and other activities is not new, however there is new research that Brain damage in Military Service is likely caused by shock waves from weaponry and explosives. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury include persistent headaches or neck pain, fatigue, memory issues, trouble sleeping, concentration problems, chronic depression, anxiety and apathy, researchers say. It can also lead to aggression and violence, experts say. Doctors are more focussed on behavioural and psychiatric diagnoses. There is currently no way to definitively diagnose CTE chronic traumatic encephalopathy during life. But experts have developed clinical criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES). TES is a clinical disorder associated with CTE. CTE is suspected in people who are at high risk due to repeated head trauma over years during sports or military experiences. A diagnosis requires evidence of degeneration of brain tissue and deposits of tau and other proteins in the brain that can only be seen after death during an autopsy at present.

Through its partnership with U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the USF Institute of Applied Engineering, Inc. has co-led an illuminating study that found repeated exposure to low-level blasts is associated with sign@s of brain injury in Special Operations Forces. Such exposure is common throughout many military careers, including in training and operational environments. https://ow.ly/RLmM50Rm7Ou #SpecialOperations #BrainInjury