Latest news with #TBI
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
MoD admits Britain's troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons
Senior British officers and scientists admit British troops may suffer 'brain damage' caused by low impact blasts from their own weapons while fighting on the frontline Thousands of UK troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons, defence chiefs have confirmed. Blast waves repeatedly caused by explosions from weapons could have led to life-long health issues, it has been revealed. The Ministry of Defence's lead officer on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lt Col James Mitchell admitted exposure to weapons blasts could cause the injuries. He told ITV News that in Iraq and Afghanistan, TBI and concussion was caused by larger explosions and blasts. But in fact low level blasts may cause health problems. Lt Col Mitchell told ITV News: "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts.' He said low level blasts were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems." Lt Col Mitchell said 'thousands' of personnel may have been exposed to harmful blasts. Most at risk are troops exposed to heavy weapons like mortars, shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. The force is so strong it enters the skull and can cause microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure means the brain may not heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They are severe headaches, sight problems, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Scientists are probing the causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at Birmingham University said: 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' Hugh Keir, a Para Regiment sniper who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. British troops throughout the Afghan and Iraq wars were repeatedly exposed to firefights, explosions from bombs and mortars, especially being fired by their own side. Thousands have suffered hearing loss from the blasts but the new research suggests lower-grade blasts may have caused long-term issues. Sources said the research into the issue is ongoing and may result in protective gear used by soldiers may be investigated and further improved in a bid to protect against the blast waves. An estimated 300,000 armed forces personnel suffering with hearing loss caused by the relentless noise of military life. Hearing loss and tinnitus is much more common in the military population than the general public. In fact, by the age of 75, service personnel are 3.5 times more likely to experience hearing difficulties than the general public. The UK Armed Forces has a number of compensation schemes for serving and former serving personnel who have been injured as a result of their service in the armed forces. If the injury was caused prior to April 6 2005 and the person is no longer serving this would be the War Pension Scheme (WPS). The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was established for soldiers injured after 2005 who are still in active service. However the criteria to claim for both schemes is arduous and in-depth.
The National
19 hours ago
- Health
- The National
British Army weapons systems causing brain damage in soldiers
According to an investigation by ITV News, thousands of serving British soldiers may be suffering from brain damage due to being exposed to harmful blast waves from weapons used by the army. The MoD's leading expert on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) confirmed to the broadcaster that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Those most at risk are those who have regularly been exposed to heavy weapons, such as mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. READ MORE: Scottish policing will be 'seriously affected' by Trump visit, says police body Lt Col James Mitchell told ITV News that previously in early campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was believed that the main cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers were large munitions and impact blasts. However, experts now believe that soldiers are suffering from brain injuries due to their own weapons systems. 'Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts,' Mitchell explained. He said these low level blasts were predominantly being caused by 'the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems'. Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts. It is believed that the figure is potentially even higher for veterans who may have been affected. Heavy weapons used by British soldiers create explosions which produce a wave of overpressure, which effectively causes a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels. (Image: RSA) These blast waves can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull and transfers energy to the brain which can cause microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Experts believe repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, leading to serious long-term neurological damage. It can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and can include severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss, and a sense of personality change. Scientists around the UK are now hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham has partnered with the MoD as they aim to study mild TBI and estimate what kind of brain damage veterans may have. Professor Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham, explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.'
STV News
a day ago
- Health
- STV News
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
The MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain, as ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew reports Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. 'Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts,' he explained. He said these low level blasts were predominantly being caused by 'the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems'. Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Lt Col James Mitchell, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged thousands of troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blasts Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. / Credit: ITV News Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. Hugh Keir / Credit: H-Hour podcast/Hugh Keir He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what 'normal' looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available The charity Samaritans operates a 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone who needs somebody to talk to. Further resources can also be found on its website. Concussion Legacy Foundation supports British current and former serving members and their families The Concussion Legacy Foundation also provides a personalised helpline for those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
a day ago
- Health
- ITV News
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts," he explained. He said these low level blast were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems". Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what "normal" looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Remains identified after being found in 2019 by TDOT mowers in Loudon County
LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Human remains found in Loudon County in 2019 have been identified, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Monday. The body was identified as John Arthur Troutman, born January 1, 1952, originally from Herndon, Pennsylvania. The TBI asked for the public's help in determining why he was in Loudon County and what he was doing before his death. Georgia man charged with reckless homicide after Maryville woman shot A Tennessee Department of Transportation crew discovered human remains in August 2019 while mowing alongside I-75 in Philadelphia. Loudon County Sheriff's Office deputies began investigating along with the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. Forensic pathologists determined that the remains belonged to a man likely between 45 and 55. His cause of death was undetermined, and they could not identify him. In February, the forensic center asked for the TBI's help identifying the man. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Cold Case and Unidentified Human Remains Initiative submitted a sample of the remains to Othram, a private lab in Texas, for DNA testing. TWRA to give new details on partnership with Appalachian Bear Rescue In July, Othram scientists told the TBI that they had identified possible relatives for the body. A TBI intelligence analyst tracked down the family in North Carolina and Pennsylvania to ask them about the remains. They said they had not seen their older brother since the 1980s, and they provided a DNA sample, which Ortham compared to the remains. This allowed Othram to identify the remains as Troutman. A Pennsylvania Tourism and Transportation map from 2010 was found near the body. LCSO had previously said that indications suggested he was homeless and camping in the area. The TBI asked for the public's help in discovering what Troutman was doing in Loudon County leading up to his death. Anyone with information should call the Loudon County Sheriff's Office at 865-986-4823 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Lonely Bones: Stories of the Forgotten Dead The TBI said that Congressman Tim Burchett's Community Project Funding request made the testing possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
