Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most significant, but relatively mysterious, medical conditions facing the military. To help better treat soldiers, the Department of Defense (DoD) is starting work on a multi-million dollar research and treatment facility at Fort Belvoir, Military Times reports.
Officials hope the innovative new facility will be just the beginning of a series of smaller buildings aimed at better understanding TBI and PTSD. The 25,000-square-foot building is expected to operate as a satellite to Maryland's National Intrepid Center of Excellence and will include a number of different areas designed to help patients.
According to the publication, along with a center for psychiatric testing and alternative treatments such as acupuncture, patients will have access to a physical therapy area in an open-gym layout. Plans also include space for a sleep lab, family room and a park.
The need for a facility dedicated to TBI and PTSD is especially high right now. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, between 10 and 20 percent of veterans are believed to have some form of TBI.