A reason for optimism in diagnosing, treating TBI

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http://www.stripes.com/polopoly_fs/1.114570.1281725337!/image/2334328121.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_400/2334328121.jpg

Scientists theorize that blasts affect the brain differently than blows to the head. This composite image was created by comparing brain scans of healthy troops with several troops who suffered a concussion from blasts. The "pepper spray" pattern of damage, shown in red, might be a signature of blast-related concussions.


A reason for optimism in diagnosing, treating TBI
By Seth Robbins
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 13, 2010

LANDSTUHL, Germany — Late one night at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Espinoza was watching TV when he noticed a spot describing the symptoms of mild traumatic brain injuries: dizziness, headaches, forgetfulness.

Espinoza, who had been in several explosions downrange dating to 2005, recognized them immediately.

“It was like being in church when you have not been doing right, and it feels like the preacher is talking to you,” he said, “It was like the TV was talking directly to me.”

Espinoza sought treatment at the base clinic, and last month, doctors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany confirmed what the soldier first recognized — that he was suffering a mild traumatic brain injury, or mild TBI.

Espinoza’s self-diagnosis highlights how difficult it is for the military to catch this complicated and subtle injury. Since no clear test exists, doctors must rely on servicemembers to report symptoms, or on cognitive screening exams that are not always reliable.