Troops to Get Brain Injury Checks

Oct 27, 06:03 PM

Current Headlines: DEFENCE chiefs are conducting a survey into possible brain injuries suffered by troops exposed to explosions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The MoD confirmed it had begun distributing questionnaires to soldiers as part of a programme to see if they exhibit symptoms of 'mild traumatic brain injury'.

The move is said to follow concerns within the U.S. Army that up to 20 per cent of its returning soldiers and marines are suffering from the condition, which can lead to memory loss, depression and anxiety.

It has been designated by the Pentagon as one of the the four 'signature injuries' of the conflict in Iraq.

An MoD spokesman made clear that it did not necessarily accept the injury was as widespread as the Americans believe. 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.

Kit Malia, a cognitive rehabilitation therapist who will oversee the treatment programme, told The Guardian: 'If the American figures are correct, this is massive. Absolutely massive.' The brain condition can occur when a soldier sustains a blow to the head or is in close proximity to an explosion.

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