Military using Video Games To Treat Brain Injuries

The United States Department of Defense is using video games to help troops that have had brain injuries. They are also testing all soldiers that are returning from combat to see if they have an injury.

The basic test involves basic math, matching numbers and symbols and patterns. Not only is the testing a new step for the military, the treatments are also brand new. Using paint guns and motion-sensitive video games are becoming the norm at trauma centers around the nation. Since the testing became mandatory for the armed forces last year more than 150,000 service members from the Marines, Air Force, Army and Navy have been screened. Those who have had a concussion or closely related brain injured are given a follow-up exam. The 101st Airborne Division is the only division is going a step further by testing all soldiers again as they return to Fort Campbell from tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. The tests do not detect all injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose. Still the testing is a first step for the military.

Cleveland.com reports:

Dr. David Twillie, director of a newly opened brain injury care center at Fort Campbell, says the individual results are necessary "because the brain is a fairly complex organ and because when they experience a fall or a blast, there's no way to necessarily pinpoint what particular structures within the brain were injured, because the injuries are microscopic in nature."

"So it's not really one-size-fits-all," he said.

The test at pre-deployment takes about 20 minutes. The post-deployment testing takes place multiple times. There are also more traumatic brain injury clinics being set up. Six are already running. One of the state-side centers is at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. The center has screened about 400 soldiers for traumatic brain injuries and is activiely treating about 60 patients. Another center is at Fort Carson. That center stands out for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries by dealing with real life situations. The center has a kitchen and laundry area for soldiers to practice re-adjusting to household tasks. FWD reports:

"Whether they've had balance problems, muscle cramping or are recovering from a stroke, it serves as a very therapeutic instrument," said Troy Rush, physical therapist at the Viera Clinic. "It's also a good way to take their minds off the actual therapy, while acting as more of a game. A lot of the patients have also played these sports in their past, and it's a great way for them to get back to it."