09.17
On September 9 AOL posted an AP article, Brain Damage Plagues Thousands of GIs, drawing attention to the “silent epidemic” of brain damaged soldiers. Not only have thousands of soldiers been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but these kinds of blast- related injuries are different than those caused by falls or car crashes. Further complicating matters, they often have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as well.
Symptoms of TBI included headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration and sleep disturbance. There can be depression, irritability and confusion. They can be easily provoked or distracted. It’s different than losing an arm or a leg (although many with TBI also have these injuries as well.) It is called a silent epidemic because there can be no outward wounds. Even those with TBI can think that they are OK. But the wounding is profound. They not only forget to get bread and eggs when they go to the store, they forget to go to the store period. They could forget what they spoke of 5 minutes ago or blow up at their spouse for no reason. They need highly specialized care which often isn’t available.
Returning soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can benefit from “working out” their brain on a home computer. One company, Braintrain, is offering high-quality cognitive training software system free to personnel who have suffered brain injuries in the line of duty while serving their country in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sparks of Genius offers free cognitive testing to South Florida veterans of the Iraqi War. Returning veterans can fill out a free 39-Point Learning Assessment at http://sparksofgenius.com/screens.html
-Ninah Kessler, LCSW
