8.13: Presentation session: Brain injuries and neuro-regeneration panel and making a difference: Identifying and closing the knowledge gaps discussion/forum: “Non-impact blast-induced mTBI: Summary of meeting proceedings”

The Department of Defense (DoD) Blast Injury Research Program Coordinating Office (PCO), in coordination with the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, hosted the International State-of-the-Science Meeting on NonImpact, Blast-Induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury for the purpose of critically examining research focused on the relationship between blast exposure and non-impact blast-induced mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), and to review proposed injury mechanisms. The first day-and-a-half of the meeting consisted of a series of 28 short presentations by scientists who study non-impact blast-induced mTBI. A diverse array of research topics was presented, ranging from blast physics and mathematical modeling to animal modeling and neurocognitive studies in humans. A four-member panel of accomplished and respected scientists listened to each presentation and stimulated post-presentation discussions. On the afternoon of the second day, participants divided into four workgroups. A panel member facilitated workgroup discussions. Workgroup members were charged to discuss and answer four specific questions based on their knowledge and the material presented at the meeting. Following ample time for workgroup discussion, the participants reconvened and each panel member briefed the conclusions of his panel. A general discussion concluded the open portion of the meeting. Panel members and Blast PCO staff met for a closed session on day three to synthesize information from the meeting and to formulate the findings and recommendations.