Neurological testing aids in AOR diagnosis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 250 Barksdale Airmen gathered at Hoban Hall June 16 and 17 for neurological testing in preparation for upcoming deployments. 

There are many benefits to testing Airmen prior to their deployments, including obtaining a baseline reading to help Airmen who sustain traumatic brain injuries while in the area of responsibility. 

"Pre-deployment baseline cognitive testing provides an important tool for medical providers in assessment, management and return to duty decisions for Airmen suffering TBI," said Maj. Margaret Leavitt, 2d Medical Group health care integrator. 

This testing was mandated in 2008 by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. S. Ward Cassells. It was directed that all branches of the military were to obtain cognitive baseline testing on their members prior to deployment. 

"The Army has been the lead agent for development of the testing program for all services," said Major Leavitt. "Initially, we are utilizing Army testing teams - these traveling teams have the capability to test up to 400 people per day. This allows us to begin testing immediately, while ultimately each service will conduct its own testing program." 

Members who are being tested are selected by their unit deployment manager as individuals who are likely to deploy in the next year. 

"This does not mean that everyone testing will deploy, simply that they are in a band or slot with potential to deploy to that AOR," said Major Leavitt. "We have also asked the UDMs to schedule anyone else with a high-risk occupation that are not on a list but may be tasked in the next year." 

Many of the Airmen who turned out for the test are in high-risk career fields such as security forces and explosive ordenance disposal. 

"This testing is extremely important in our career," said Master Sgt. Joseph Jarboe, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron EOD flight chief. "When we respond to an unexploded improvised explosive device or travel around the AOR and someone get's injured, we wouldn't be able to tell at the moment they had a TBI. Because of the baseline testing they might find an TBI during the post deployment evaluation." 

The testing consists of a briefing and computer-based screening process which lasts approximately half-an-hour. The testing team is able to test more than 50 people within an hour, with mental health providers available during testing for any questions or concerns. 

"The process consists of a 15-minute pre-brief by the testing team then 25 members are seated to test - the test itself takes about 20 minutes. The member will be given a 'good to go' and another member will be seated." 

For more information on future testing, contact Major Leavitt at 456-9512.