{"id":864,"date":"2026-04-05T20:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thirstier.news\/?p=864"},"modified":"2026-04-05T20:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:30:00","slug":"innovative-care-tackling-insomnia-in-veterans-with-tbi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=864","title":{"rendered":"Innovative care: Tackling insomnia in Veterans with TBI"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dr. Darlene Makulski and team utilize groundbreaking device to improve Veterans\u2019 lives at Houston VA<\/h2>\n

At the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center<\/a> (MEDVAMC) in Houston, a team of dedicated health care professionals is making remarkable strides in the treatment of Veterans with traumatic brain injuries<\/a> (TBI). Among them is Dr. Darlene Makulski, director of the Houston VA\u2019s TBI Polytrauma Program. With a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of her patients, Makulski is using a groundbreaking new sleep device to combat a common and debilitating condition in TBI patients: insomnia.<\/p>\n

The impact of insomnia on Veterans<\/h2>\n

Makulski has long observed that many of her Veteran patients with severe TBIs suffer from chronic insomnia, which exacerbates their TBI symptoms, including memory issues, mood disturbances and a decline in their overall well-being. Insomnia not only affects the Veterans, but it also has a profound impact on their caregivers, who often struggle with sleepless nights and the resulting stress.<\/p>\n

Determined to find a solution that didn\u2019t involve medication, Makulski began researching and came across the Modius Sleep device, a groundbreaking vestibular nerve stimulator designed to treat chronic insomnia. Eager to explore its potential in Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, she reached out to the manufacturer and began introducing the device to her patients last year. The results have been extraordinary.<\/p>\n

A life-changing experience<\/h2>\n

One of them is Navy Veteran Trent Stahl. In 2013, during basic training, Stahl suffered cardiac arrest and a severe anoxic brain injury, leaving him with significant challenges. By the time he arrived at MEDVAMC for care in 2020, his condition had taken a toll not only on him but also on his mother and primary caregiver, Traci Stahl.<\/p>\n

Traci, also a Navy Veteran, was desperate for a solution. Trent\u2019s insomnia was severe\u2014he would go to bed at 9 p.m. but wake up every 15 minutes for hours, requiring her assistance throughout the night. When Makulski suggested trying the Modius Sleep device, both Traci and Trent were hopeful.<\/p>\n

Positive results<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>
\u2022\tTBI experts Dr. Darlene Makulski (left) and Dr. Stephanie Sneed at the Houston VA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Since using the device, Trent has not only begun sleeping through the night, but he has also shown significant improvements in his cognitive functioning and overall demeanor. He\u2019s more engaged with his surroundings, talkative, focused and, most importantly, happy. For Traci, the device has been a game changer, allowing her to finally get a full night\u2019s sleep and see her son improve in ways she thought might never be possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe couldn\u2019t be happier with the care Trent has received at MEDVAMC,\u201d Traci said. \u201cDr. Makulski has been a godsend. Her dedication to finding innovative solutions and being with us every step of the way has made all the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Modius Sleep device is an FDA-cleared, drug-free tool that employs electrical vestibular nerve stimulation to target brain regions responsible for sleep regulation. It consists of a battery-powered device that goes on like a headband and delivers low-level electrical impulses through self-adhesive electrode pads placed behind the ears. Users can adjust the intensity of the stimulation to their comfort, and the device is easily rechargeable via micro-USB cable. Using the device for just 30 minutes a day can have a marked impact on insomnia.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing the positive changes in my Veteran patients and the resulting impact it has on their caregivers has been incredibly rewarding,\u201d Makulski said. \u201cAs a mother myself, I know how hard it can be to relax when your son or daughter is uncomfortable. When both the Veteran and the caregiver can sleep through the night, the changes in their lives are truly profound.\u201d<\/p>\n

A focus on exceptional care<\/h2>\n

Makulski said she receives immense satisfaction in her work at VA, where she can focus on helping Veterans like Trent without the constraints of insurance limitations that often hinder access to such technologies in the private sector. Alongside her colleague, Dr. Stephanie Sneed, director of the MEDVAMC\u2019s Rehabilitation and Extended Care Line, she is determined to offer consistent, exceptional care for Veterans with brain injuries, driven by a strong commitment to improving their quality of life and helping them be the best version of themselves.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeeing the positive changes in my Veteran patients is what it\u2019s all about,\u201d Makulski said. \u201cIt is truly a joy to care for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndustrial strength\u201d Veterans<\/h2>\n

Sneed, who has worked at MEDVAMC for 20 years, also feels a special connection to her patients and says she often describes Veterans as \u201cindustrial strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a group, I find my Veteran patients to be incredibly determined, resilient, and willing to work hard and do everything they can to recover,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m in awe of their accomplishments and feel fortunate to be able to play a small role in giving them the help they need and deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

After years of caring for her son, Traci Stahl has now become a passionate advocate in the TBI and caregiver communities, actively participating in groups to spread the word about the Modius Sleep device and sharing her positive experiences at VA.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe this is a device that can help countless other TBI patients and their families, and I want everyone to know about it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The innovative work of Makulski and the team at MEDVAMC, coupled with the powerful Modius Sleep device, is not just changing lives; it\u2019s restoring hope for Veterans and their caregivers, one restful night at a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Topics in this story<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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caregiver support<\/a>Insomnia<\/a>TBI<\/a>traumatic brain injury<\/a>VISN 16<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/i>Leave a comment<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA<\/a> or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN<\/abbr>, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form \u2014 it will be deleted for your protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\t\t9 Comments\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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  1. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tJonathan Thompson<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 27, 2026 at 20:43\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    The question has already been asked, but there is no answer. What is this thing and how\/where do I get it?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    <\/p>\n

  2. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tGeorge Edwards<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 27, 2026 at 18:58\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    The question is: Is this capability being offered at other TRICARE and VA Hospitals as an option of Care for both Active and Veteran Service M<embers, other than the Texas based VA Medical Centers?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tCindy Dupree<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 24, 2026 at 17:02\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    I live in Houston and have migraine headaches and insomnia. I\u2019m interested in finding more out about this new device.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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  4. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn ortegel<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 24, 2026 at 10:32\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    Is this different than sleep apnea?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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  5. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tRichard M Gardner<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 23, 2026 at 21:16\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    I was involved in a mine explosion in Vietnam. It has been a long time ago, but I am writing due to my lack of sleep. My sleep is on and off every couple of hours each night. It also leaves me awake a lot. This gives me time to remember my friends that I lost in Vietnam. I also have alot of intense neck pain and headaches. Not sure if the two are related to the explosions, but I would like to find out more.
    \nRichard M Gardner Vietnam 1966-1967<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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  6. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tTammy Brinkley<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 23, 2026 at 19:34\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    This is very interesting and offers so much hope! I have a niece with a TBI however she is not a veteran. Is this device available to purchase?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tMarcus<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 23, 2026 at 19:22\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    I would be interested in trying this. I don\u2019t believe it\u2019ll work, but I\u2019m interested in trying. As ordered. I will not provide any personal information. At this point, I\u2019ll try anything my doctors and complete care team support.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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  8. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tHarold Maier<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 23, 2026 at 18:47\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    How does a person get this device<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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  9. \n
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tPeter Vorum<\/strong>
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tApril 23, 2026 at 18:44\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
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    I am a patient a DO who practices Dr. Sutherland\u2019s Cranial Sacral model of pain relief. The Cranial Academy is a good source. <\/p>\n

    Our skull is not the bowling ball you find in the average biology class in school. The individual bones are joined with finger joints, that allow movement. Sutherland was born in 1874. By 1900, he was a practicing D.O. Per his method, the top of the skull moves up; spinal fluid travels up; and the sacrum curls up. Then, the process reverses. It happens 4-6 times a minute.<\/p>\n

    Migraine headache? Place the thumbs above the ears, along the lines of the bows of a pair of glasses; press in gently. Reverse by pressing down with the interlaced finger tips along the center line of the skull. Count 1, 2, 3, 4; reverse 1,2,3, 4\u2026. At the onset of a migraine headache, I see twinkling around the outside edge of my glasses lenses. Press in with the finger tips, in with the thumbs\u2026. I can do it 1 handed driving down an interstate highway, and get rid of the oncoming headache in ~5 minutes. No pills. No Dr. Do it until the twinkling stops.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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    Comments are closed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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