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Saturday, 29 December 2007
A brain injury is not is not always diagnosed or immediately apparent.
Topic: FYI
There are many cases where a person who has sustained a brain injury appears fine, but family members, friends, and fellow soldiers see symptoms* and know that something is seriously wrong with them. This person may have sustained a brain injury that was not diagnosed or is labeled “mild”. It is considered mild because the person may appear normal on the outside. Know that the term “mild brain injury” is a misnomer because the consequences of the “mild brain injury” may be devastating for that individual and their family. These are very difficult situations for the brain injured person because they often know their behavior is abnormal but can’t control it. Yet, others may attribute their behavior to wanton disregard for authority, a flawed character, or in the case of soldiers, may think the person is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

* Symptoms of Brain Injury; Altered State of Consciousness, Loss of Consciousness, Memory Loss - either short or long term memory loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Vomiting, Blurred Vision, Loss / partial loss Sense of Smell, Loss / partial loss Sense of Taste, Loss / partial loss Vision or Hearing, Sexual dysfunction, Speech Problems, Confusion, Fatigue, Sleep Disturbances - inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, or nightmares, Irritability, Depression, Mood Swings, Loss of Anger Control, Anxiety, Inability to Concentrate, Inability to make decisions, Increased sensitivity to light, Increased sensitivity to noise, Increased sensitivity to movement,Decreased intellectual ability, Math abilities affected, Lack of interest or desire to participate in life.

Posted by AVBI at 7:58 PM CST
Updated: Saturday, 29 December 2007 8:20 PM CST
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Currently the number one cause of brain injuries in the U.S. Military is IED explosions
Topic: FYI
With all the conflicting reports in regards to the number of wounded from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) it seems impossible to get an accurate account of how many of our service members have suffered brain injuries in these conflicts. From earlier stated statistics 73% of all wounded are from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), of that number 68% suffer brain injuries, of which 10% are considered “severe” resulting in coma* and needing, long term hospitalization, continued treatments, and in-patient rehabilitation. Utilizing the currently reported DOD statistics** and these percentages, the number of Active Duty Military suffering brain injuries are now reported as being in the tens of thousands.

**American Wounded:
DOD Official: 18,777 July 1st 2006
Estimated: 20,000 - 48,100

Posted by AVBI at 12:01 AM CST
Updated: Saturday, 29 December 2007 8:23 PM CST
Monday, 29 October 2007
Increasing numbers of Veterans requiring treatment for non combat related brain injuries.
Topic: FYI
The numbers of disabled veterans with brain injuries may soon be facing epidemic proportions, not only from the wounded in combat but also from post combat injuries. Undiagnosed brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have a way of causing emotional difficulties and an inability to cope with everyday pressures. The inability to cope commonly leads to risky behavior, which can include alcohol / drug abuse resulting in alcohol related brain damage and involvement in activities while impaired. The psychological high that combat can create presents it’s own problems; returning soldiers have reported having a need to replace the adrenaline rush, and many have increased involvement in extreme sports and fast motor vehicles*.

*The leading causes of brain injuries in United States; Automobile accidents, Firearm use, Falls and Sporting accidents.

Posted by AVBI at 12:01 AM CDT
Updated: Saturday, 29 December 2007 8:22 PM CST

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