Traumatic brain injury troops face epilepsy dangerRSS Feed

A soldier who suffers a traumatic brain injury whilst in action could be at higher risk of epilepsy years after the brain injury occurred, according to new research.

The study, published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, calls on all soldiers to be routinely screened for epilepsy for decades after leaving a conflict zone.

Researchers looked at ex-soldiers who had suffered a brain injury 35 years earlier and found that 44 per cent developed epilepsy.

"For a surprising 13 percent, the post-traumatic epilepsy didn't show up until more than 14 years after the brain injury," explained study author Jordan Grafman.

"This research strongly suggests that veterans with brain injury will require long-term neurology care."

In addition, the research reveals that the nature of the seizure changes over time, often becoming more severe and causing loss of consciousness.

The findings come after scientists in the US claim that soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing a new type of traumatic brain injury caused by road-side bombs.

Serious Law, award winning traumatic brain injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap

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