We're committed to advancing the science of brain health for our most elite warriors. Through research and education, The Invisible Wounds Foundation aims to create a ripple effect that impacts medical research, legislation, military training, and the lives of those who serve and protect our country.
Our Mission:
Advancing science to
Diagnose Treat Prevent
Traumatic brain injuries among special operations forces.
Our Purpose:
We exist to safeguard the brain health of our most elite warriors.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the
Signature Wound of the Global War on Terror.
2x
Special Operations are more than two times as likely to sustain a TBI as conventional forces.
5yrs.
The average wait time for SOF personnel to receive TBI rehabilitation: 1,746 days from injury.
$3B
Amount allocated to military TBI research, yet still no objective diagnostic tool exists for TBI.
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We are
Science-Forward.
We are
Science-Forward.
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We are
collaborative.
We are
collaborative.
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We are a
Catalyst.
We are a
Catalyst.
Centering science and collaboration, we aim to catalyze change in addressing TBI within our Special Operations Forces, shifting the focus toward innovation and prevention. SOF members face disproportionately high exposure to blast-related brain injuries, and breakthroughs in their care will have a ripple effect throughout the broader military community.
THE TIME TO ADVANCE RESEARCH IS NOW
“Those who defend our country and protect our way of life deserve the best medical care. We as a society owe it to them, and until we advance this field, we won’t live up to our responsibility.”
Brian L. Edlow, M.D.,
Critical Care Neurologist
Co-Director, Mass. General Neuroscience
Assoc. Prof. of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
From the Frontlines
To the Headlines.
Defense Bill Orders Military to Take New Action on Brain Injury
Congress passed a sweeping new set of mandates on brain safety in the military.
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Military-Related Blasts May Harm the Brain Through Blood Vessels
Imaging studies reveal that blood flow is affected in people who have a career history with blast exposure.
Pentagon Examines Causes of Troops' Brain Injuries
Researchers don't know why some exposed to blast waves are impacted while others aren't.
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Invisible wounds often have lasting effects on our heroes, their families, and communities. The time to act is now—because invisible wounds need visible action.
Let’s bring invisible wounds into the light. Together, we can raise awareness and ensure warriors receive the support they deserve.
Invisible wounds are claiming lives—and too often, they go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. On @60minutes, Invisible Wounds Foundation Advisor Frank Larkin and Board Member Dr. Brian Edlow shared the painful truth about combat-related brain injuries and what we must do to stop the loss.