Polytrauma/TBI System of Care

Polytrauma/TBI System of Care

VA’s Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) is an integrated network of specialized rehabilitation programs dedicated to serving Veterans and Service Members with both combat and civilian related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and polytrauma. Services available through PCS include: interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment, development of a comprehensive plan of care, case management, patient and family education and training, psychosocial support, and application of advanced rehabilitation treatments and prosthetic technologies.  (Learn more about the Polytrauma TBI System of Care ...)

Understanding TBI

TBI is a common occurrence and a major health concern. The brain is highly vulnerable to damage as a consequence of falls, motor vehicle accidents, or assaults. More recently, the concerns about TBI related to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and about sports concussions have led to increased interest in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TBI related health conditions. (Learn More About TBI ...)

What is Polytrauma?

When TBI is associated with a significant secondary injury (amputation, burn, fractures) or with mental health conditions (post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, substance use), the resulting “polytrauma” can have devastating effects that compound those seen in TBI alone.
In the recent military conflicts, polytrauma is primarily caused by proximity to an explosive event. Advances in military medicine and protective gear have help save lives. Rehabilitation works to optimize recovery and facilitate return to independent living and higher quality of life. (Learn More About Polytrauma...)

Collaborations with Strategic Partners

VA maintains ongoing collaboration with the Defense TBI Center of Excellence (TBICoE) and National Institutes of Health to advance TBI research, education, policy and Clinical management.
The collaboration with  the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) TBIMS Program led to the creation of the VA TBIMS Research Program in 2010. This program enables VA to perform multi-center research protocols in collaboration with  16 academic TBIMS centers.