{"id":41908,"date":"2020-01-31T12:23:24","date_gmt":"2020-01-31T12:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/01\/31\/debate-over-brain-injuries-in-us-military-a-teachable-moment\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T05:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T05:59:13","slug":"debate-over-brain-injuries-in-us-military-a-teachable-moment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/commentary\/2020\/01\/31\/debate-over-brain-injuries-in-us-military-a-teachable-moment\/","title":{"rendered":"Debate over brain injuries in US military: A teachable moment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We should use the recent news coverage surrounding the Jan. 8 attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq as an opportunity to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries. TBIs are serious and should never be dismissed as mere \u201cheadaches\u201d or as trivial in comparison to other injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2008, when scientists began collecting post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissue<\/a> to understand the effects of TBIs, research has provided significant insight into the effects of concussions, including their degenerative effects on people. These injuries, which can be caused by an explosion, or a bump, jolt or blow to the head, can result in a range of problems, including vision disturbances, balance problems, concentration and memory problems and headaches. There has also been considerable research on the effects of TBI on mental health, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the 64 service members<\/a> who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after the retaliatory attack by Iran have gotten or are getting the medical attention they need. While more than half of them have returned to duty already, some are still being treated in Germany for additional care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center<\/a> show that more than 413,000 service members suffered traumatic brain injuries between 2000 and early 2019. While most of these injuries were considered mild, many were not. Having some of our leaders label TBIs as less seriou<\/a>s than other injuries runs the risk of deterring service members from seeking the treatment they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\t