My Thinking Isn’t Clear After My TBI: The VA Approach to Managing Cognitive Complaints 4042

TBI can cause cognitive, emotional and social communication difficulties for Veterans. Impairments can include deficits in concentration, attention, naming, processing speed, memory, difficulty with narration, and other higher-level forms of complex communication. A small number of patients with mild TBI progress to having postconcussion syndrome (PCS). Veterans are more likely to experience PCS as they more frequently meet diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, depression. Holistic treatment of PCS is necessary to improve quality of life. In this session, we will discuss the Phoenix VA approach to cognition management include unique programs such as initial TBI screenings completed in conjunction between medical providers and neuropsychologists, supplementary programming through Brain Boosters, a psychosocial approach to managing cognitive symptoms, and implementing specific programming addressing cognition and PTSD co treatment.