Now Reading: Iran War Puts US Troops at Risk of Lasting Brain Injuries
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Iran War Puts US Troops at Risk of Lasting Brain Injuries
Nearly 700 US service members have been wounded in drone and missile attacks during the Iran war, with most suffering traumatic brain injuries and returning to duty, according to military officials. The…
The Story in Brief
Nearly 700 US service members have been wounded in drone and missile attacks during the Iran war, with most suffering traumatic brain injuries and returning to duty, according to military officials. The Pentagon has described most injuries over a two-week period as minor concussions. Doctors warn that apparently mild injuries can cause headaches, dizziness, memory loss and concentration problems for months or years, and repeated blows raise the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The military says service members are screened for traumatic brain injuries. Democratic lawmakers are seeking an investigation into care after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait killed six US soldiers. Advocates say injuries may be undercounted because symptoms overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans can also receive diagnoses years after blast exposure.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that every concussion is harmless are as weak as claims that every blast injury causes permanent disability. The evidence supports a more careful view: many troops recover, but doctors cannot predict who will develop lasting problems, while military culture may discourage early reporting. The fair test is whether every exposed service member receives prompt screening and follow-up, and whether the Pentagon publishes the Kuwait investigation’s findings.
Source: siasat.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
