TBI: “this war’s legacy for decades”
Today, international media and technological advances have allowed the American public to view war in a way never before seen. Along with the increased visibility of the fighting in Iraq, the media has been able to show the American public the cost of war. One area that has become more and more visible is the significant rise in closed head injuries sustained by our troops. Fueled by ABC newsman Bob Woodruff’s traumatic brain injury while covering the war (and his subsequent foundation), TBI is recognized by the media more than ever before.
In a recent commentary on MSNBC.com, chief science and health correspondent Robert Bazell writes, “Much of the medical care for wounded Iraq vets remains a national shame. The mental problems caused by either brain injury or post-traumatic stress will be a legacy of this war for decades.” Bazell blames the government’s unwillingness to pay the cost of treating so many wounded veterans as the key root of this growing problem. Many of these wounded veterans are not simple cases of broken limbs or shrapnel wounds- some statistics suggest 60-65% of all wounded soldiers have an acquired brain injury. Our military technology allows troops to be better armed and protected, but we have learned one major lesson: no matter how strong the body or vehicle armor is, “the brain- which gets shaken like jelly- is frequently damaged.”
In a previous article, Bazell outlines the subtle brain damage from which troops suffer, as well as the pressure to continue fighting. Surely, media attention has put TBI in the spotlight. Furthermore, it has helped push the Bush administration to reform the system, such as a move to require all veterans to be screened for mental problems, as well as improved hospital facilities and care at home and abroad.
The problem is, no matter the amount of light the media shines on TBI, these injuries continue to occur, both to soldiers and Americans of all walks of life. Perhaps, the media can begin to highlight the ways to prevent TBI, as well as highlighting the victims and their stories. Perhaps, a newfound vigilance to prevent these injuries can be “this war’s legacy.”
Click here to read Bazell’s entire commentary.
