Group: Many Don't Know They Suffered Concussions

Jan 18, 07:42 AM

By Kimberly Hefling

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON

As many as 20 percent of U.S. combat troops who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan leave with signs they may have had a concussion, and some do not realize they need treatment, Army officials said Thursday .

Concussion is a common term for mild traumatic brain injury . While the Army has a handle on treating more severe brain injuries, it is "challenged to understand, diagnose and treat military personnel who suffer" from mild traumatic brain injuries , said Brig. Gen. Donald Bradshaw, chairman of a task force on the injury created by the Army surgeon general.

The task force, which completed its work in May, released its findings Thursday.

It estimated that 10 percent to 20 percent of soldiers and Marines from tactical units leaving Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by mild traumatic brain injury. The most common cause was blast from an explosion.

The symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and irritability.

With treatment, more than 80 percent of patients recover completely, the task force said.

Less than half who suffered from a mild traumatic brain injury in combat have persistent symptoms associated with it, said Col. Robert Labutta, a neurosurgeon with the Army surgeon general's office.

In some cases, however, symptoms from the injury, such as irritability, affect a soldier's interaction with his or her family and fellow soldiers, said Col. Jonathan Jaffin, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.

One of the challenges in treating a mild traumatic injury is that it can have some of the same symptoms as post-traumatic stress disorder.

head injuries

A task force estimated that 10 to 20 percent of soldiers and Marines from tactical units leaving Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by mild traumatic brain injury. The most common cause was blast from an explosion.

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