Traumatic Brain Injuries In Thousands of Troops Go Undiagnosed
Recent studies have revealed that the military medical system has failed to diagnose traumatic brain injuries (TBI's) in hundreds, if not thousands, of troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many times, these individuals receive little or no treatment for the effects of these debilitating injuries.
TBIs from the war are often mild and occur as the result of shock waves from roadside bombs which shake through soldiers skulls and brains, similar to a TBI caused by a car accident, resulting in both physical and mental injuries. Officials estimate about 115,000 troops have suffered TBIs, but others say the figure is much higher.
Even mild TBIs can lead to long-term problems such as
• Lapses in memory and cognition
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems with coordination
• Emotional issues
• Dizziness
However, unlike car accident victims who are often monitored for head injuries, even when TBIs are diagnosed in troops, the information may not be officially documented and the soldiers fail to receive adequate treatment.
If treated early on, the effects of a traumatic brain injuries can be lessened, and help improve both memory and decision-making. If left untreated though, symptoms can worsen to the point where victims can no longer drive, understand what they've read or recall much of their past.
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