ABSTRACT
Blast exposure is often reported by military personnel who have been deployed to recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Difficulties of returning personnel with reintegrating into civilian society have in part been attributed to brain injury that was caused by blast concussions. In this chapter, we describe the challenges of evaluating the long-term cognitive impact of blast concussion through neuropsychological evaluation of self-reported events in military and veteran samples. We offer strategies of ascertaining whether a history of blast concussion or other combat-related condition, such as emotional distress, might represent the source of cognitive limitations. The chapter also reviews some of the latest neuropsychological findings in blast concussion samples and identifies areas of crucial need with respect to future research, ultimately in the interest of ensuring that veterans receive care that is appropriate to their injuries.
