MoD Asks Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan About Brain Injury Symptoms

Oct 27, 06:13 AM

Current Headlines: By NO BYLINE

THE Ministry of Defence is conducting a major survey into possible brain injury suffered by troops exposed to high velocity explosions while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was disclosed last night.

The MoD confirmed that it had begun distributing questionnaires to troops as part of a self-assessment programme to see if they exhibit symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

It was reported the move followed concerns within the US Army that up to 20 per cent of its returning soldiers and marines were suffering from the condition, which can lead to memory loss, depression and anxiety. It is understood it had been designated by the Pentagon as one of the four "signature injuries" of the conflict in Iraq.

While the MoD said that it was working alongside the US in investigating the condition, a spokesman made clear that it did not necessarily accept that it was as widespread as the Americans believe.

"It is a very, very complex area. We have no way of knowing whether that [the US assessment] is accurate because there is a level of dispute as to what constitutes mTBI," the spokesman said.

He pointed out the symptoms may last for as little as 72 hours. In 80 per cent of cases they had disappeared within two weeks and in more than 90 per cent within three months.

Nevertheless, the MoD intends to fully roll out its self- assessment programme - which is being trialled in Iraq and Afghanistan - in the new year.

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