One hundred years (and counting) of blast-associated traumatic brain injury

J R Army Med Corps. 2019 Jun;165(3):180-182. doi: 10.1136/jramc-2017-000867. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Abstract

Blast-associated traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become one of the signature issues of modern warfare and is increasingly a concern in the civilian population due to a rise in terrorist attacks. Despite being a recognised feature of combat since the introduction of high explosives in conventional warfare over a century ago, only recently has there been interest in understanding the biology and pathology of blast TBI and the potential long-term consequences. Progress made has been slow and there remain remarkably few robust human neuropathology studies in this field. This article provides a broad overview of the history of blast TBI and reviews the pathology described in the limitedscientific studies found in the literature.

Keywords: histopathology; neurological injury; neuropathology.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries* / history
  • Blast Injuries* / mortality
  • Blast Injuries* / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / history
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / mortality
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / physiopathology
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Military Medicine / history*
  • Military Personnel