Prevalence of chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and persistent postconcussive symptoms in OIF/OEF veterans: Polytrauma clinical triad

Abstract

Abstract-This study examines the prevalence and coprevalence with which returning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/ Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans were reporting symptoms consistent with chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). The medical records of 340 OIF/OEF veterans seen at a Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Network Site were comprehensively reviewed. Analyses indicated a high prevalence of all three conditions in this population, with chronic pain, PTSD, and PPCS present in 81.5%, 68.2%, and 66.8%, respectively. Only 12 of the veterans (3.5%) had no chronic pain, PTSD, or PPCS. The frequency at which these three conditions were present in isolation (10.3%, 2.9%, and 5.3%, respectively) was significantly lower than the frequency at which they were present in combination with one another, with 42.1% of the sample being diagnosed with all three conditions simultaneously. The most common chronic pain locations were the back (58%) and head (55%). These results underscore the complexity of the presenting complaints in OIF/OEF veterans and support the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to assessment and treatment.

Multisensory impairment reported by veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury history

“…Because of the degree of symptom overlap between TBI and psychiatric disorders [46,61,[63][64]66,[76][77][78][79][80], clinicians evaluating TBI also should determine whether mental health conditions are present to decide on the best course of treatment [6,62]. Patients with MSI may benefit from a team-based approach to care [63][64][77][78].…”

Pain experience of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and posttraumatic stress

“…These multiple tours have often included high-intensity conflicts that result in higher rates of injury and trauma exposure. Pain is a significant clinical condition and PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses among this population [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Although it is known that these are highly prevalent conditions among individuals returning from recent wars, an understanding of the complexity of the chronic pain and PTSD relationship is limited.…”

Physical activity in postdeployment Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs services

“…Recently returned Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans represent a unique population served by the VA. Having recently been engaged in a physically demanding environment, these veterans, many with physical and/or mental sequelae from their tour of duty, face an abrupt transition to civilian life [11,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. In light of the growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of physical activity, including decreasing both obesity-associated morbidity and mortality [29][30] and disability from chronic musculoskeletal pain [31], OIF/OEF veterans using the VA are an ideal population for interventions centered around increasing physical activity.…”