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If your unit is deploying within the next 12 months and needs ANAM testing scheduled, please send an e-mail including all pertinent contact information to usarmy.jbsa.medcom.mbx.otsg-anam-operations@mail.mil for more information, or call the ANAM Schedule at 210-916-9231.

There is a major focus on cognitive assessment for Service Members.  The concern comes from injuries seen during conflicts in which Service Members may be injured by explosions, resulting in concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

A brain injury that may result from such blasts can range from mild to severe.

An mTBI/concussion may cause changes which include a slower reaction time, headaches, irritability, memory impairments, and sleep difficulty.  These symptoms may result in decreased performance.  Performance is critical to mission effectiveness.

One reason that an mTBI/concussion can go unnoticed is that symptoms may not be obvious.  Therefore the Service Member may not have visible external injuries.

Purpose of the ANAM:

ANAM is a proven computer-based tool designed to detect speed and accuracy of attention, memory, and thinking ability. It records a Service Member's performance through responses provided on a computer.

It is being conducted prior to deployment and can be used to identify and monitor changes in function.  It does not diagnose any medical condition.

The results may help healthcare staff compare a Service Member's speed and accuracy of attention, memory, and thinking ability before and after an injury.

ANAM FRAGO (Adobe PDF)

Things a Service Member Should Know About the ANAM

On May 28, 2008 The Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Affairs office put out a memorandum directing all Services to begin implementing baseline pre-deployment Neurocognitive assessments for all Service members.  All Services members are required to complete their pre-deployment Neurocognitive assessment within 12 months prior to deployment.  This assessment is a mandatory requirement.

The purpose of this test is to establish a baseline in the event that the Service member becomes injured or is exposed to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  If the Service member is injured then they will take another test and the results would be compared to their original baseline to determine what would be the best course of treatment or care.  This comparison will help determine the extent of the injury in a more efficient manner.

ANAM pre-deployment testing is not a diagnostic tool and is not used to determine if the Service Member is deployable or non-deployable.

• ANAM is a computer based tool that takes about 20 minutes to complete.
• The purpose of this process for pre-deployment is to collect baseline information on performance that can be used if a Service Member has an injury that may affect attention, memory, and thinking ability.
• The pre-deployment baseline may help healthcare providers determine if there are any changes after an mTBI/concussion.
• ANAM assessment results are considered protected health information and placed in the electronic medical record.
• The assessment results will be securely stored electronically in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
• Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) Brochure (Adobe PDF)
• NCAT (ANAM) Site Directory:  Complete listing of locations by state that have ANAM assessment capability (Adobe PDF)