opinion

Despite what Trump says, brain injuries are serious | Opinion

Following the Iraqi raid on an Iranian air base earlier this month, President Donald Trump bragged that there had been no serious injuries to U.S. troops. Later we learned that, indeed, 34 U.S. soldiers involved in the incident have been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

Traumatic brain injuries are indeed serious injuries. And, in addition to the 34 identified victims, it’s likely there are others whose physical injuries may have obscured the diagnosis of concussion.

The 34 who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries would present with a multitude of symptoms (most of which they would not be fully aware), including problems with attention and concentration, memory, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, blurred vision, suicidal thoughts and more.

Many of the 17 who returned to active duty will likely have similar difficulties.

Many of these soldiers will return home to the U.S. and find that they have difficulty functioning at home and in the workplace because of their cognitive and psychological problems. They may have financial problems that, in turn, can trigger divorce and the break up of families and relationships.

Most tragically, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed that 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Some estimate the number is higher.

Those are the facts. Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly serious. There is nothing not serious about any brain injury.

At my not-for-profit organization in suburban Detroit, The Center for Neurological Studies, we are currently conducting an unprecedented research study — “Hope After Combat” — to diagnose and prescribe specific treatment for military veterans who may have suffered traumatic brain injuries in bomb blasts or other battleground incidents.

We use highly advanced MRIs that are as much as six times more sensitive than traditional MRI for detection of even the smallest hemorrhage or other injury to the brain. With this level of diagnosis we are able to prescribe a comprehensive treatment plan to address each specific injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are a scourge, and while there is no “one size fits all” for brain injury treatment, we have had great success in our approach at CNS. We are currently seeking veterans with traumatic brain injuries or TBI-like symptoms to contact us and allow us to help them in their recovery.

To learn more about the Hope After Combat study, call 313-228-0930. There is no cost to participate in the study. These veterans deserve our help.

Randall Benson, M.D., is medical director and vice president of the Center for Neurological Studies in Novi.