Every 5 seconds, a man, woman or child in the U.S. suffers a traumatic brain injury.
Approximately 6 in 10 men (60%) and 5 in 10 women (50%) will experience at least one traumatic event at some point in their lifetime.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are complex conditions that are challenging to diagnose and treat.
Most people who experience a trauma won’t suffer from lasting negative effects. For some people, trauma can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain, resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. Some of these symptoms may appear immediately after the traumatic event or brain injury, while others may be delayed, emerging months or years later.
Both the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and TBI are difficult. We still have no cures.
We diagnose both diseases based on symptoms — not biology — and we lack consistently reliable, evidence-based treatments. As a result, some people spend years waiting for a diagnosis that will explain their symptoms or cycle through numerous treatments without finding relief.
Like many brain disorders, progress toward definitive diagnoses and effective treatments for PTSD and TBI has been hampered by the lack of understanding of the complex underlying biology, variations in clinical presentation from one patient to the next, and the high comorbidity with other disorders.
Advancing the scientific understanding of PTSD and TBI
Cohen Veterans Bioscience is doing things differently. We bring together the brightest minds and deploy the most innovative scientific tools to bring about progress in years, not decades.
Our research and advocacy aim to improve the lives of all people who experience the effects of trauma by:
- Advancing our understanding of TBI and PTSD through rigorous research, including discovering genetic factors and building predictive data models.
- Fast-tracking the development of easy-to-use diagnostic tests and guidelines to diagnose TBI and PTSD quickly and accurately.
- Advancing research that can help match patients to the most effective treatments, including wellness, digital health, drug and device approaches.
- Advocating for policies that prioritize new solutions for all those affected by brain trauma at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn more about our advocacy efforts.
From Brain Trauma to Brain Health
Our research to fast-track diagnostics and treatments for PTSD and TBI can be applied to advance solutions for other brain disorders.
- Who We Serve
Patient & Veteran Perspectives
- Giving
Join the Fight
Resources
For Immediate Assistance
- If you have taken steps to end your life, call 911 immediately.
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Dial 988
- National Sexual Assault Hotline – (800) 656-HOPE
Further Reading
PTSD
- SAMHSA: Coping with Traumatic Events
- Mayo Clinic: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- National Center for PTSD: PTSD Information
- CDC: Coping with a Traumatic Event
TBI
- CDC: Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion
- Brain Injury Association of America: About Brain Injury
- Brainline: Do I have a concussion?
Cohen Veterans Bioscience (CVB) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity research organization and does not offer medical advice. CVB encourages you to seek medical advice from a physician or healthcare provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition, or to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital if you find that you or someone you are concerned about is in an emergency situation.
