Hope for Veterans with PTSD and TBI: A Path to Recovery at Aviv Clinics

Serving our country is a noble cause. Yet, for many veterans, the impacts of service don’t always end when these heroes return home.  Invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have lifelong impacts. Thanks to advancements in medical science, veterans now have access to new treatment options that go beyond managing symptoms. These treatments offer the opportunity to regain cognitive function, improve mental and physical well-being, and fully embrace life.

Aviv Clinics is at the forefront of this progress, providing innovative treatments for veterans with these invisible wounds. What’s more, we’re actively working to make these treatments more financially accessible than ever before through our new veterans’ benefit.

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The Challenge of Invisible Injuries

For the 15.8 million military veterans in the United States, military service is a deeply significant part of their lives. Roughly 6% of adults in our country served in the military, and that number is even higher here in Central Florida. In The Villages®, where Aviv Clinics is located, one in seven residents have served.

Military service, especially in combat zones, can expose individuals to traumatic events and physical stressors. While some wounds are apparent, invisible wounds such as PTSD and TBI often go unseen.

Veterans and PTSD

Stemming from exposure to traumatic experiences, PTSD can manifest in many ways, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and depression.

Studies indicate that approximately 7% of U. S. veterans will develop PTSD at some point in their lives, however the rates vary based on several factors, including gender, service era, and deployment history.

PTSD has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980. Since then, scientists have learned that psychological and physical trauma disrupt the way the brain functions and can even alter the brain’s structure, making the condition even more difficult to treat.

Veterans with TBI or Concussions

TBI and concussions (or mild TBIs) are another major concern. Short-term symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory issues. In more severe cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, and emotional instability can also occur.

While concussion symptoms usually dissipate within a few weeks, “In 10 to 20 percent of individuals… concussive symptoms persist for a number of weeks, months, or even years.” This condition is known as post-concussion syndrome.

Alarmingly, TBI and PTSD frequently co-occur in veterans. Military patients with a TBI diagnosis are 4.18 times more likely to also have PTSD. Tragically, the consequences of these conditions contribute to the elevated risk of suicide among veterans. Both TBI and PTSD can increase the risk of suicidal behavior.

Studies have found that:

• Veterans with a history of TBI are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide.
• Male veterans with PTSD are 1.8 times more likely to die by suicide.
• Female veterans with PTSD are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide.

If you are a veteran in crisis, click here or send a text message to 838255 to chat with a trained responder on the VA Crisis Line.

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Aviv Clinics: A Scientific Approach to Healing

Unfortunately, traditional treatments for these invisible wounds often only address symptoms. Our veterans deserve access to solutions that address the root causes of PTSD and TBI.

Located in central Florida, Aviv Clinics provides a veterans treatment program that is grounded in scientific evidence and designed to promote long-term recovery.

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How Aviv Clinics Helps Veterans Reclaim Their Lives

The Aviv Medical Program is an approach designed to promote healing in both the brain and body. Based on pre-treatment assessments, recovery goals, and the supervision of our clinical team, each veteran’s personalized program may include a combination of:

• A unique hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol: Increased oxygen levels to promote healing and improve tissue function in the brain and body.

• Cognitive training: Tailored exercises to improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and processing speed.

• Physiotherapy and physical therapy: Targeted exercises to improve physical function, balance, and coordination.

• Nutritional coaching: Dietary strategies to support brain health and overall well-being.

• Psychological support: Counseling and therapy to address emotional and psychological needs.

 

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The Science Behind HBOT for PTSD and TBI

At its core, HBOT is simple: patients breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen inside a special pressurized chamber or suite.  Aviv Clinics utilizes a specific, evidence-based HBOT protocol that has demonstrated promising results in treating brain tissue damage associated with TBI, post-concussion syndrome, PTSD, and other conditions.

Research suggests this particular protocol promotes neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire itself, helping to restore lost functions. It also supports the growth of new blood vessels and neural connections.

• Clinical trials of this protocol on veterans with combat-related PTSD have shown significant reductions in depression and overall PTSD symptoms. Functional MRI scans revealed improved brain connectivity following treatment.

• Similar studies on individuals with TBIs demonstrate substantial improvements in cognitive abilities, including memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed, regardless of the time since injury or its severity. SPECT imaging showed increased brain metabolism in areas responsible for these cognitive skills.

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Watch: CBS Sunday Morning reports on the Aviv Protocol for treating PTSD.

By addressing the underlying neurological damage, Aviv Clinics offers veterans with TBI and PTSD the opportunity to reclaim their independence, regain control of their health, and restore their quality of life.

Veterans Share Their Experiences at Aviv Clinics

• Crystal, a former combat medic, experienced debilitating PTSD symptoms years after her service. Traditional treatments offered little relief. At Aviv Clinics, she found a path to healing. “I no longer have an anger problem, which has saved my marriage… I feel like I can move forward now.” Watch Crystal’s story. 

• Julio, a Navy SEAL veteran, struggled with memory issues and a stutter due to cumulative impacts from his service. His condition worsened, leading to suicidal thoughts. Aviv Clinics provided him with a turning point. “The treatment I’ve been getting here is just phenomenal. I couldn’t ask for anything better.” Watch Julio’s story

• Sherman, a Vietnam War veteran, lived with hypervigilance, depression, and suicidal ideation for half a century after serving. Aviv Clinics offered him a new lease on life. “I can start living my life now. My sleep has gotten better, I’ve gotten off the meds. I’m different.” Watch Sherman’s story

 

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Aviv Clinics’ Commitment to Our Heroes

Aviv Clinics is dedicated to providing veterans with the highest level of care, especially when traditional options fall short. Recognizing the financial challenges many veterans face, Aviv Clinics offers special opportunities to make our program more financially accessible through a new veterans’ benefit. Every veteran deserves the chance to heal, regain their strength, and reclaim their quality of life.

Aviv Clinics is here to support that journey.

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Take The Next Step Toward Recovery

If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with the invisible wounds of service, hope and help are available. Aviv Clinics’ advanced treatment program is designed to restore brain health, enhance physical and cognitive function, and improve overall well-being.

To learn more about the Aviv Medical Program and how it can support your recovery, call 352-492-6634 or reach out to Aviv Clinics using our contact form Your health is your next mission, and Aviv Clinics is ready to stand by your side.