BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: CG, commanders study TBI, PTSD treatments at Intrepid Center – The Fort Campbell Courier

Major General Andrew P. Poppas, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, visited the posts Intrepid Spirit Center, Friday, for an update on the latest research and care for Soldiers with traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions.

Intrepid Spirit is an outpatient center on Fort Campbell that treats about 1,800 to 2,700 patients monthly. The center has a dual mission of clinical care and clinical research.

Poppas and several brigade and battalion commanders visited the Intrepid to better understand its capabilities for the Army and in helping Soldiers manage traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.

Well first, the level of professionalism of all the doctors that I have dealt with here has been exceptional, Poppas said. They walked through exactly what they are trying to accomplish with each of the tests and, as you [complete] them, you get to see what the test indicators mean. So, its educational as we go through it.

The techniques used at Intrepid are oriented to neuromodulation, which is a process where the brain heals itself through brain exercise and reconditioning. Patients may use a combination of ancient methods like Tai-Chi, yoga and acupuncture as well as ultra-modern methods like trans-cranial magnetic stimulation and cranial electrical stimulation. These methods help Soldiers in their rehabilitation, with 92 percent of participants returning back to duty. Another program Poppas studied at Intrepid Spirit was automated neuropsychological assessment metrics, or ANAM testing, which is a required assessment for all service members, Department of Defense contractors and civilians prior to deployment. Poppas and his commanders learned more about the computer-based assessment that collects baseline information on speed and accuracy of attention, memory and thinking ability. It can be used in treatment for a service member in case they are involved in a concussive event, typically resulting in a mild TBI.

Its not threatening whatsoever but you do get an understanding of why its important within our profession that we do these. Since the inception of the 101st, from private to general everybody fights, so its important that not just for myself that everyone understands what the capacity we have and the assessments we make for every Soldier going through here, Poppas said. [Brain injuries] are non-discriminatory by rank, by color or creed. Were all susceptible so we need to have these baselines prepared for all of us as we go forward into combat.

The visit provided the visitors a good overview of services available at Fort Campbells Intrepid Spirit.

Poppas said the visit gave leaders a chance to learn more about this resource and how they can incorporate Intrepid Spirit into their own training path as they look at the whole Soldier and prepare for the next mission.

This has been a phenomenal experience, said Lt. Col. Larry Dean, commander, 626 Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. [Intrepid Spirit provides] a lot of capability for our Soldiers and it gives options as commanders so that as you look at behavioral health and mental health and physical health and the fact that it literally is a gymnasium for the brain. Its just a great option, an additional option for Soldiers.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, falls, motor vehicle and pedestrian-related accidents, collision-related events and violent assaults are the main causes of TBI. Sport-related injuries and explosive blasts/military combat injuries are other leading causes of TBI. Intrepid Spirit treats patients for these injuries whether injured on or off the battlefield.

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BLANCHFIELD ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: CG, commanders study TBI, PTSD treatments at Intrepid Center - The Fort Campbell Courier