The Army is taking steps to better identify and treat soldiers who sustain traumatic brain injuries. In a report released Jan. 17, military officials announced plans that include
* working better with other government and civilian agencies;
* developing a center for study of brain injuries in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs;
* centralizing the evaluation of new identification and treatment;
* documenting traumatic brain injuries as soon as possible after they occur.
Some 10 to 20 percent of all soldiers and Marines who served in Afghanistan have experienced some form of traumatic brain injury, the DoD said. In less severe cases, called concussions, patients typically recover. But some injuries go undiagnosed, which could lead to related medical problems later, the report said.
