Complex Assessment of Combat Neurotrauma

Abstract

This study explores the patterns of twelve male OIF-OEF combat veterans with the Tactual Performance Test (TPT) in cases of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or with PTSD only. 6 were dual diagnosed with PTSD+mTBI and 6 with PTSD-o. Last deployment ranged from 10 to 3.5 years. Results suggest themes of lateralization, intertrial reversals of both regression and rebound, and discrepancies between memory and localization. Findings are discussed in relation to both the conceptual underpinnings and application of the TPT and the functional neuroanatomy of PTSD and blast-related mTBI.