Resources available for traumatic brain injury

Thomas Brennan, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

By Thomas Brennan, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

March 09--There are resources available for those affected by Traumatic Brain Injury, which occurs when something hits the head with significant force during a car crash or explosion. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, people who have sustained a TBI may experience a variety of effects including an inability to concentrate, an alteration of senses, difficulty speaking, and emotional and behavioral changes. Local resources include the following:

Onslow Memorial Rehabilitation

Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapists work with patients of all ages, both adults and children, who have TBI's from falls, motor vehicle accidents, anoxic injuries, and combat-related injuries.

Cognitive Rehabilitation is provided through the Speech Therapy department. Therapists work with patients and families to develop and individualized treatment plan to improve memory, communication, swallowing or cognitive skills.

Vestibular Rehabilitation is provided through the Physical Therapy department. Therapists work with patients with dizziness and balance issues due to injuries to the vestibular system. Goal is to improve balance, dizziness, and safety with community mobility.

Appointments are available with an order for therapy from a physician. Onslow Memorial Rehabilitation accepts most insurance. Therapy sessions are one-on-one with a licensed therapist.

Contact:

910-577-2372.

315-2 Western Blvd.

Jacksonville, N.C. 28546

Hope for the Warriors

Hope for the Warriors aims to help Post 9/11 veterans with TBI, PTSD or other combat-related injuries find resources needed to help with their injury. The agency also provides an emphathetic ear when veterans, or their spouses, need to talk.

Vicki Lane, regional case social worker for the organization, said they do not duplicate services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs or Navy but they are available to help find those services.

Contact:

910-938-1817

1335 Western Blvd.

Jacksonville, NC 28546

Department of Veterans Affairs

According to the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, veterans should apply for VA health benefits at va.gov/healthbenefits/apply or by phone at 910-822-7016 or 877-222-8387.

The form can also be mailed to VA Medical Center, 2300 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Attn: Eligibility or dropped off at the local VA.

Copies of insurance cards, DD214, and a copy of the Purple Heart award letter if applicable.

Vet Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program aims to treat veterans and their families for trauma-related difficulties. The center provides readjustment counseling services to veterans and service members who have served in a warzone, area of hostility and their families.

Services include individual and group counseling, marital and family counseling, medical referrals, benefits explanation and referral, military sexual trauma counseling and referral, outreach and community education.

110-A Branchwood Drive in Jacksonville

910-577-1100

1-877-WAR-VETS (Combat call center)

1-800-273-TALK (Veteran Crisis Line)

Other TBI resources:

Military One Source

militaryonesource.com</a>

Marine Corps Military One Source

militaryonesource.com/MOS/MarineCorps.aspx

800-342-9647

Navy-Military One Source

militaryonesource.com/MOS/Navy.aspx