Not only are brain injuries something that happens close to home, accidentally or due to a sports injury, as we have mentioned in various other blog posts on our site (post the diving one, helmet, NFL links) but combat veterans who are exposed to roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan show similar symptoms to those of professional athletes of degenerative brain disease.
Research has been done that suggest that explosions will damage brain tissue creating the trigger for the disease called C.T.E. (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). The symptoms displayed by mice who have been studied after being exposed to the blast explosions show there is a structural problem left in the brain.
This research is extremely helpful and provides a path for developing preventative measures for blast-related injuries, medications and developing diagnostic tests for C.T.E. With this research being the strongest evidence to date relating explosion exposure to traumatic brain injury there will be significant steps taken to reform military policy and specific veterans programs.
“The animal model developed by the researchers will enable a better understanding of the brain pathology involved in blast injuries and, ideally, lead to new therapies to help service members and veterans with traumatic brain injuries,” said Dr. Joel Kupersmith, the chief research and development officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Gluckstein & Associates LLP wants to shed some light on other forms of traumatic brain injuries and hopes that this topic gets more attention and exposure. Often prevention is a step that requires extensive research and information to formulate a plan that can battle brain injury accidents. However, it is through sponsorship that research is able to be achieved and a safer outcome can be accomplished for prevention.
For a look deeper into this topic please visit: www.nytimes.com “Brain Ailments in Veterans Likened to Those in Athletes” by James Dao.
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