Was Traumatic Brain Injury Syndrome (TBI) The Reason For The Massacre In Afghanistan?

What Role Did Accused Soldier’s Brain Damage Play In Afghan Massacre? (UPDATED) -- Danger Room

It’s incredibly difficult to surmise what might have pushed one American sergeant to allegedly massacre 16 Afghan civilians. But new details about the still-unnamed staff sergeant’s background suggest that brain damage, wrought by a traumatic brain injury during an earlier deployment, might have been a contributing factor.

It would be misleading, and downright reductionist, to suggest that TBI sufferers will commit murders. But scientists have linked brain trauma to some violent episodes.

Read more ....

My Comment: There is not enough information on this incident to make a proper assessment on what caused a soldier to commit a massacre in Afghanistan this weekend. But I am sure that in the weeks to come numerous psychiatrists, trauma specialists, etc. are going to examine this one particular soldier and what caused him to snap.