Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Service Members Receives Widespread Media Coverage

Approximately 67 percent of military veterans in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although veterans and service members make up a large segment of individuals with TBI, they remain an understudied population. But this year, several high-profile media outlets have produced investigative or other long-form content with a focus on TBIs military service members and veterans have sustained during training, active, or reserve duty.

These stories, reported in outlets including the New York Times, ABC News, NPR, the Washington Post, and Newsweek, primarily highlighted the effects of blasts (both as a result of explosives training or in combat), as well as Navy SEAL service or training, and the impacts of training and flying at high altitudes for long periods of time, especially under intense G-forces.

“Recent stories have underscored how much we still need to learn about the physical and mental toll of active duty and reserve training,” said Rick Willis, President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). “Brain injuries are invisible to the eye, but their impacts are profound and lasting. We have the knowledge and resources to do better, and now is the time to act—not only to understand these injuries but to improve prevention, treatment, and support for those who sacrifice so much for our nation.”

Brent Masel, MD, BIAA’s National Medical Director, said the long-term effects of brain injuries on military service members remain an area ripe for exploration. “The bottom line is clear: we have much to learn, and progress depends on asking the right questions and pursuing the research needed to find answers,” Dr. Masel said. “By committing to this effort, we can improve care, recovery, and quality of life for those who have served.”

Mike Jaffee, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida and member of the BIAA Board of Directors, said expanding research for the unique TBI risks to military service members and veterans is essential to better understanding their long-term effects. “By implementing regular traumatic brain injury (TBI) screenings and exploring protective and preventative measures—from effective screening tools to advanced helmet designs—we can enhance the safety of those currently serving and improve care for veterans. Additional support and study of this is needed because our service members and veterans deserve the best care,” he said.