Invisible Wounds Of War

My Comment: A must see video for the tens of thousands of servicemen and women and their families who must cope with this problem everyday.

Brain Injuries On The Rise For US Troops (Infographic)

Source:LiveScience

Record Concussions Among U.S. Troops

Better Tests Find Record Concussions Among U.S. Troops -- USA Today

Improved battlefield diagnosis has led to a record number of concussions detected among U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq last year, with an average of 16 inflicted each day last spring, according to newly released Pentagon figures.

It was the highest pace for traumatic brain injuries of any period in 10 years of combat, according to data provided to USA TODAY. Brain injuries caused by the concussive force of a nearby blast are among the most commons wounds troops suffer.

American casualties in Afghanistan this spring are already ticking higher as the traditionally heavier summer fighting months approach, military statistics show.

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My Comment: The human body is just a "baggy filled with a red liquid". With this perspective it is easy to see how a war zone can easily cause harm and damage to soldiers who are exposed to the concussion effects of explosions.

Traumatic Brain Injury -- A U.S. Department Of Defense Special Report

Editor: The U.S. Department of Defense has put together a comprehensive analysis and report on 'Traumatic Brain Injury'. For those who believe that they have suffered a traumatic brain injury, this is a must read for you. The link to this special report is here.

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.

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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.