Excerpt from: STATEMENT OF: Lieutenant General (Dr.) James G. Roudebush Air Force Surgeon General
To: DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE PRESENTATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEL UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 15, 2008
Subject: Army Medical Action Plan and Support for Wounded Service Members from Other Services
The AF is involved in several cutting edge research initiatives involving TBI. One in particular is the collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory and the University of Florida’s Brain Institute. This research is focusing on the presence of biochemical markers in spinal fluid that is associated with TBI. In addition, the AF is utilizing a new mild TBI cognitive assessment tool, called HeadMinders. This internet-based tool is used to assist in determining which warfighter can safely return to duty following a concussion. Another is the Brain Acoustic Monitor, which detects mild TBI injuries and replaces invasive pressure monitors used to measure brain pressure for severe TBI cases.