600+ Veterans With a Brain Injury After Afghanistan Conflict

New figures obtained under the freedom of information act by The Sunday Times revealed that that 616 British servicemen and women suffered a traumatic brain injury while in Afghanistan, and it is feared that there may be hundreds more who are currently undiagnosed.

The injuries, 22 of which are classed as severe brain injuries, were primarily caused by exploding bombs and blows to the head while in service. Many of these are a result of roadside bombs, where even the most advanced helmets are unable to offer protection from shockwaves to the brains wiring according to experts. It is thought that there may be more people going undiagnosed because of the fact that many injuries are not picked up by brain scans until the soldiers return home.

Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury include headaches, dizziness, anxiety and inability to concentrate. However, symptoms can be much more severe, with recent research linking to long term psychiatric problems and even dementia. Many soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injury may struggle to stay in the army, as well as facing problems in their home life.

Despite the scale of the issue, it gets far less attention than other problems faced by the troops such as post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to a call for more resources to be devoted to it from Dr Walter Busuttil, director of medical services at the charity Combat Stress “Essentially, in the UK we have not really believed that mild traumatic brain injury is a major issue,” said. “We need to look into it — it warrants research, money and effort.”

Read the source article herehttp://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Defence/article1298919.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_08_10#commentsStart

You can read more about the signs and symptoms of brain injury here. We also offer a number of resources for people affected by brain injury, their carers and healthcare professionals. To add yourself to the mailing list, email christine.hamilton@braininjurygroup.co.uk.

Many of our member solicitors are experienced at handling claims on behalf of returning service men and women. You can find a solicitor via our map /find-brain-injury-solicitor/. Alternatively, call us on 0800 612 9660 and we’ll be happy to put you in touch with one.

Read about Royal Marine Thomas Birch, who won his claim against the MoD represented by member firm Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd /news/brain-injury-group-member-wins-damages-appeal-royal-marine-thomas-birch/