Noteboom The Law Firm

Simulating Blasts May Lead to New Combat Helmets

May 14, 2010 - Willy Moss wondered if he could simulate the effects of explosions on soldiers' brains. It took him 2 years to answer that question but when he did the answer was yes. Moss and his research partners anticipate their research will contribute to the creation of superior combat helmets. Improved combat helmets will hopefully mean less traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in soldiers. 

In combat zones, explosions and blasts are seemingly the number one cause of TBIs. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), of all the soldiers suffering from combat-related injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2003 - 2008, 30% were diagnosed with TBIs. Over the last 10 years, the annual rate of soldiers suffering from TBIs has doubled and the total amount of soldiers diagnosed with TBIs tops 160,000.

Moss's research will hopefully tell the DoD not only if blasts cause TBI, but how they cause TBI. The link between the two is not clear and this may very well be because diagnosing TBI is not an exact science. Confusion sets in as symptoms of TBI can mirror PTSD:

• Memory problems;
• Concentration problems;
• Headaches;
• Dizziness;
• Depression;
• Anxiety;
• Irritability; and
• Sleep disturbances.

 Preliminary research indicates different combat situations demand different types of helmets. Different helmets respond to blasts in different ways and some helmets may actually be worse for the soldier than not wearing one at all.

Given the amount of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with TBIs, it is imperative we do as much for them as we can, as quickly as we can. Not being able to pinpoint if or how blasts cause TBI, however, is very limiting. Without this connection, there is no way to know how to best protect soldiers.