Awareness of TBI in America has grown, but that doesn’t mean we’re adept at spotting the signs or understanding the history of these injuries. More often than not, traumatic brain injuries that occurred many years ago have been continuously mistaken for emotional or behavioral problems. This poses a specific problem for American veterans who return from their service with undiagnosed TBIs.
After a stint in the armed forces, it’s fairly common for people to return to their normal lives with a series of symptoms, including:
- Heightened levels of anxiety and exhaustion
- Difficulties concentrating on and remembering various tasks
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration
Although these symptoms might be purely psychological, if a veteran was involved in an accident, it’s important to consider that these signs could be related to a TBI. Even mild brain injuries can leave lasting impacts.
The statistics alone speak to how many veterans experience symptoms caused by TBI. Roughly 60 to 80 percent of soldiers who have been involved in blast injuries may have TBI alongside their other injuries. The Department of Defense, and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center are learning more and more about how many veterans have experienced traumatic brain injuries, and it’s now more vital than ever to seek medical attention if you think you may have one.
If you or someone you know returned from service in the military, it might be time to make the connection between symptoms and possible underlying traumatic brain injury. With appropriate support, medical care, and knowledge, steps can be made to improve a veteran’s quality of life – and treat the true injury. Schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to start on the path towards recovery.
To learn more about traumatic brain injuries and receive support from others who have been affected by them, including injured veterans, join the non-profit organization TryMunity. Their online community is comprised of TBI survivors, their loved ones, and others who have been touched by traumatic brain injuries. Sign up today at www.trymunity.com.
