Iran conflict revives worries over lasting brain injury effects on U.S. service members

The ongoing Iran war has sparked renewed attention to the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries suffered by American troops, many of whom were hurt by drone and missile strikes.

The Iran war has brought the issue of enduring traumatic brain injuries among U.S. troops back into focus, as close to 700 service members have been injured by recent drone and missile attacks on regional bases. Most of these wounds have been classified as traumatic brain injuries, with many soldiers cleared to resume duties after being labeled as having minor concussions by Pentagon spokespeople. Medical professionals caution that seemingly mild injuries can evolve into chronic problems, including persistent headaches, dizziness, and cognitive fog, and that repeated impacts raise the risk of conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Researchers stress that blast waves cause a distinct form of cellular damage compared with blunt head trauma. Lawmakers, including Senator Tammy Baldwin, have called for a review of the medical care provided after a March 1 Iranian drone strike that killed six soldiers, arguing that some veterans went weeks without proper screening. While screening and treatment protocols have improved since the Iraq and Afghanistan eras, advocates argue that many cases remain under-reported because symptoms overlap with PTSD and other disorders.