The army technology that was developed to track traumatic brain injuries suffered by troops in the field as a result of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is ready for deployment and will soon see service in Afghanistan.
Soldiers equipped with this device, which we have discussed here in some detail, will be deployed to Afghanistan this spring, even as calls for greater NATO involvement in the area seem to be falling on deaf ears and Taliban-aligned insurgents are gaining in strength.
The new head impact monitoring system, which was developed by New Hampshire company Simbex, is similar to helmets used to monitor impacts suffered by college and high school football players on the field.
IEDs are responsible for almost 80% of all casualties and 60% of all fatalities suffered by US troops in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. It is hoped that the helmets will help Army commanders determine exactly how IEDs cause traumatic brain injury. This program precedes a new $ 150 million TBI study authorized by Congress as part of the most recent appropriations bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As we have discussed in previous posts, concussions can be far more dangerous when suffered in succession. Soldiers who return to combat after suffering a minor concussion may be setting themselves up for more serious injury next time. It is hoped that the new helmet monitors will be able to inform medics when to keep soldiers off patrol for a couple weeks.
If you have suffered a TBI, chances are you were not wearing a specially-equipped helmet that can measure the level of trauma you suffered. In that case, you need an experienced brain injury lawyer to prove to your insurance company the level of your suffering and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are in Texas, contact Jim Adler & Associates to get the representation you need.
