March uses automated test to screen for TBI

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Michael Blair
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  It's mandatory. All Airmen are required to undergo specific testing before deploying into a combat zone.

Concerned the concussion of an explosion may cause brain injury, the Department of Defense (DoD) created the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT). The U.S. Army began the program in 2006 and as of July 23, 2008, the DoD now requires all service members take the test within 12 months of deployment.

According to the U.S. Army Medical Department, "An mTBI [mild traumatic brain injury]/concussion may cause changes which include a slower reaction time, headaches, irritability, memory impairments, and sleep difficulty." If these symptoms occur, they can be mild and hard to diagnose so the NCAT was developed.

"It's like a hearting test for the brain," said Amanda Snay, an Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) proctor. She is administering the test for Airmen deploying from March Air Reserve Base. "It can't hurt you. It only takes 10-15 minutes on average and the results are only used as a baseline to see if there has been injury to the brain."

Before deploying, Airmen sit in front of laptops and answer questions which judge their memory and reaction time. There is no pass or fail. Scores are stored in a Washington, D.C., database and only used if an Airman experiences a concussion. The test is only used to determine changes in mental function.

Test results before and after the injuries are compared to determine if there has been a change in an Airman's mental capabilities and allow for better treatment and care.