Noteboom The Law Firm

Shock Waves May Cause Long-Term Brain Issues

June 10, 2010 - Soldiers and veterans are being diagnosed with traumatic brain Injuries (TBIs) at unprecedented rates. TBIs have become known as the "signature injury" of our 2 current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Researchers and doctors have been feverishly working to establish how TBIs occur how they can be treated. Seemingly, a new study has made the first step.

Researchers have used technologically advanced scanning units to track changes in brain functions in patients suffering from TBIs. Their research has focused on veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their report indicates they have discovered long term modifications in brain functions for those veterans who have been exposed to blast shock waves. Some of the more general symptoms associated with TBIs are:

• Memory loss;
• Mood swings; and
• Insomnia. 

One very big problem doctors are facing is being able to distinguish the symptoms of TBI from the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is a belief in the research community that as long as the trauma to the brain is mild, the brain will recover and other symptoms are perpetuated by PTSD. This study concludes, however, veterans with TBIs suffer much more than mild brain injuries.

Researchers believe their data reflects constant instances of change in the brain due to multiple blast and shock wave exposure. The changes in the brain are usually long lasting and could be permanent in some cases. These results may also suggest a stronger likelihood these veterans will develop dementia later in life.

While this research is at odds with other published research, that is expected. Further research must be done that delves further into neurological damage among returning veterans from these current wars.