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September 8, 2008 5:40:40 AM CDT

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Injury Tally Misses Brain Trauma

Posted Nov 23, 07 4:37 PM CST in Science & Health 

(Newser) – More than 20,000 service members not classified as wounded in combat have signs of brain injury, according to an examination of records by USA Today. The actual number of troops with brain trauma suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan was more than five times the official tally, meaning that the true US casualty count could be much higher than reported.

Some 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans surveyed in VA hospitals showed some signs of brain injury, often as a result of a blast. Troops sometimes fail to recognize the symptoms of brain injury. A Pentagon consultant said those whose wounds were discovered only after they left Iraq were not on the official casualty list, but the brass is working to deal with the issue.

Sources USA Today, USA Today

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Eric O'Brien, 32, an Army staff sergeant, tries to remember places he is to look for and the tasks he is to perform as he prepares to take a walk on campus with occupational therapist Jenny Owens, right,...   (Associated Press)
Bryan Malone, 22, an Army specialist from Haughton, La., exposes a scar on his scalp as he scratches his head while working with speech pathologist Sara Granberry at Vanderbilt Medical Center Aug. 2,...   (Associated Press)
Data from hospitals and veterans associations found that the number of soldiers with brain injuries was far higher than the official casualty count   (KRT Photos)
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Iraq  • Afghanistan  • Pentagon  • veterans  • brain injuries


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