Brain Injury and PTSD in Veterans

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.

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.