Medical professionals focus on traumatic brain injuries Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Danielle Gregory 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- One of the results from the war on terrorism is an increase in traumatic brain injuries among deployed personnel. As of July 23, the Department of Defense requires that every deploying member be tested with the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics within 12 months prior to deployment. A baseline assessment will allow for a future comparative review should medical professionals suspect a traumatic brain injury. The Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, or ANAM, program was created at the University of Oklahoma. Initially, the program will affect 16 bases, including Tinker AFB. The DOD has targeted bases that will deploy more than 200 military members in Aerospace Expeditionary Force cycle 4/5. Currently, members are given two post-deployment measures. The post deployment health assessment is conducted in theater and the post-deployment health reassessment is conducted upon their return home. Both of these measures can be completed with paper and pencil or online. The ANAM will only be administered post-deployment to those members with a suspected head injury. This measure is fully computerized and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete. "This way, should something have happened while they were away, if there is any question at all, we can re-test them and identify those individuals more quickly," said Capt. Sarah Green, 72nd Medical Group staff psychologist. For individuals whose screening is abnormal, further evaluation and referral will be conducted by appropriately trained and qualified providers. "Often times, people think of a head injury as physical contact only," Captain Green said. "That is not the only way the brain can sustain an injury. For example, if an individual has been involved in an explosion of any kind, the brain can be directly affected, whether or not they sustained an external, visible injury. We can help get them the proper medical attention they may need." The new ANAM program is only affecting those deploying at this time. However, in the long run, the program goal is to have a baseline measure on all military members. "This program will assist us in the identification of those who may need help, but may not realize it," Capt. Green said. "Our office is very excited about ANAM and thinks it will be a very effective program for our military members." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page