Optimizing Brain Health of United States Special Operations Forces

J Spec Oper Med. 2023 Dec 29;23(4):47-56. doi: 10.55460/99QW-K0HG.

Abstract

United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel are frequently exposed to explosive blasts in training and combat. However, the effects of repeated blast exposure on the human brain are incompletely understood. Moreover, there is currently no diagnostic test to detect repeated blast brain injury (rBBI). In this "Human Performance Optimization" article, we discuss how the development and implementation of a reliable diagnostic test for rBBI has the potential to promote SOF brain health, combat readiness, and quality of life.

Keywords: SOF; Special Operations Forces; blast overpressure; brain injury; human performance optimization.

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Blast Injuries* / therapy
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Explosions
  • Humans
  • Military Personnel*
  • Quality of Life
  • United States