Occupational Risk of Low-Level Blast Exposure and TBI-Related Medical Diagnoses: A Population-Based Epidemiological Investigation (2005–2015)
| Autor: | Jennifer N. Belding, Robyn Englert, James Bonkowski, Cynthia J. Thomsen |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
low-level blast
Post-Concussion Syndrome Health Toxicology and Mutagenesis blast high-level blast TBI concussion overpressure military epidemiology healthcare Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Explosions Article Stress Disorders Post-Traumatic Military Personnel Blast Injuries Brain Injuries Traumatic Medicine Humans Brain Concussion |
| Zdroj: | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 18, Iss 12925, p 12925 (2021) International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Volume 18; Issue 24; Pages: 12925 |
| ISSN: | 1660-4601 1661-7827 |
| Popis: | Because traumatic brain injury (TBI)—most often caused by exposure to high-level blast (HLB)—is a leading cause of medical evacuations of deployed U.S. service members in recent conflicts, researchers seek to identify risk factors for TBI. Previous research using self-reported data has identified low-level blast (LLB) as one such risk factor and suggests an association with susceptibility to and symptoms associated with TBI. This article presents a population-based study of all branches of military service that examines the association between occupational risk for LLB and both clinically diagnosed TBIs—from concussions to severe and penetrating TBIs—and conditions commonly comorbid with concussion. Using archival medical and career records from >2 million service members between 2005–2015, this work demonstrates that occupational risk of LLB is associated with any TBI, mild TBI, moderate TBI, cognitive problems, communication problems, hearing problems, headaches, any behavioral health condition, anxiety, drug abuse/dependence, alcohol abuse/dependence, delirium/dementia, posttraumatic stress disorder, post-concussive syndrome, tinnitus, fatigue, and migraines. Understanding the full scope of the effects of LLB on service members will help ensure the health and readiness of service members and may influence both military policy and clinical practice guidelines for blast-induced injuries. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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