Brain research
Scientists at Brigham Young University have published an important study on head injuries in the journal Neurology that finds that even after a severe concussion brain injuries can slip by traditional brain scans.The significance of study is obvious. Besides thousands of accidents every year, concussions are commonly suffered by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
BYU psychology professor, Erin Bigler, is using an innovative MRI technique— diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) — in conjunction with colleagues at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. DTI reveals almost invisible, but important brain changes that may lead to long-term aggression and sleep problems.
"We're just beginning to understand what is happening with concussions," Bigler said.
1 Comments:
This assumes, of course, that the returning troops will even get treatment: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-03-17-tbi_N.htm
The Pentagon has delayed treatment of returning troops because they're afraid it will turn into another "Gulf War Syndrome", and troops might attribute other ailments to their time in Iraq/Afghanistan.
How about we take care of the health of our returning vets for as long as they live, regardless of whether or not they were injured in combat? These are people who are willing to give their lives for their country (right or wrong)... this is the least we could do. As it is, the Pentagon is only showing contempt for our troops.
Post a Comment
<< Home