[robstamps]

Before we go and condemn the VA for not treating battle related neurological damage, are we certain medical science itself is capable?

[Crilosajsamq]

Before we go and condemn the VA for not treating battle related neurological damage, are we certain medical science itself is capable?

Nobody's condemning the VA - the article isn't about VA care, it's about diagnosis and care while still active in the service.

The fact is that the military has a clear pattern of misdiagnosis, and of ignoring TBI.

[Ilaubuas]

are you speaking from experience?

When u fall out for sickbay, a cadence of Jerry's Kids is sounded off.

[Opinion_counts]

The military has a tremendously consistent policy of not caring about long term health problems of the troops. Bullet wound, no problem we'll fix you up great. Cancer from agent orange, gulf war syndrome, ptsd, etc? You're just a whiner, we don't need whiners here.

It's just like any warranty. It expires after a set time limit.

[Plaumpholavup]

I wonder how prevalent undiagnosed and untreated TBI is in the civilian population at-large. It seems this is another area where testing and treatment borne of military necessity can help the medical field in general.

It is very common.

Concussions and Head Injuries in Football - The New York Times

High school athletes face serious concussion risks - USATODAY.com

It has recently become a concern among football players, both high schhol and college level, as well as professional. It is very common, and they are frequently missed.

And most people have concussions in their life. And quite often the damage does not appear for years. SO while an individual may get a concussion while serving, the effects may not be apparant until long after they leave the service.

Or the inverse, where they had a ocncussion years earlier, and only appear while they are in the service.

And military medical care is often better then that by civilian praticioners, and also worse. The vast majority of our care is done by RNs and PAs, or what would in the civilian world be considered "Interns". A lot of the "doctors" in the military are just out of medical school, joining to pay off school debts and to fulfill their internship-residency requirements. That way when they leave for the civilian world, most of their bills are taken care of, they gain experience, and have fulfilled all of their requirements.