Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become one of the signature injuries of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thousands of soldiers have returned home with brain injuries. Thankfully, improved research has led to an increased awareness of TBI and PTSD in war veterans. The symptoms of TBI and PTSD often overlap: both conditions can cause behavioral changes, confusion, memory loss, and sleep problems.
TBI and PTSD often occur in soldiers who are hurt in explosions caused by IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), which are common weapons used in these wars. A recent study revealed that brain injury increased the prevalence of sleep disorders in veterans. Specifically, soldiers with TBI from explosions were more likely to experience insomnia and/or fragmented sleep, whereas soldiers with TBI from blunt force trauma were more likely to experience daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, or chronic drowsiness.
In Northern Virginia, we interact with veterans every day. We see soldiers, sailors and airmen from Norfolk Naval Base, Langley Air Force Base, the Hampton VA Hospital and our other military bases all the time. Sadly, that also means we see the effects of the traumatic brain injuries many of these brave men and women have suffered while deployed overseas. The effects of TBI can linger for years, and most dangerously, past brain injuries make veterans more vulnerable to another injury in their day-to-day lives.
Speak with a Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyer Today
The link between brain injury and PTSD underscores our need for better screening processes for veterans who are returning home from Afghanistan or Iraq. If your loved one has been affected by a sleep disorder related to PTSD, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about whether or not a brain injury is contributing to the problem.
If you or one of your loved ones has suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, please contact Kalfus & Nachman today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Norfolk brain injury attorneys.
