SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Each year thousands of members of the U.S. Armed Forces suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While most TBI's are mild, severe cases can be debilitating both mentally and physically.
At Camp Pendleton's Intrepid Spirit Center, marines are undergoing evidence-based music therapy to treat TBI's. Working with a board-certified music therapist, sessions help with cognition, memory attention, emotional processing, fine motor skills and coordination.
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Justin Edwards has been dealing with memory loss and anxiety since 2005. He says music therapy, along with occupational therapy, calms him and helps with his memory.
"If you have an issue, if you're feeling down about yourself, don't be scared to get those tools - they are right at your fingertips, use them," said Gunnery Sgt. Edwards.
He hopes other marines will embrace the rehabilitative tools now being offered to servicemembers.
The program is made possible through Creative Forcers, a partnership with the National Endowment for Arts and the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
