Hilary Valdez (Photo by Hilary Valdez/Stripes Japan)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most serious health conditions affecting millions of people around the world. It occurs when the brain is damaged by a blow to the head, by a fall, vehicle accident, sports injury, or military combat. Some traumatic brain injuries are mild and result in temporary symptoms, others can have lifelong physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences. One of the greatest challenges of traumatic brain injury is that many of its symptoms are invisible. Individuals may appear physically healthy while struggling with overwhelming mental fatigue, emotional instability, or cognitive difficulties.
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) reported nearly 414,000 TBIs among U.S. service members worldwide between 2000 and late 2019. More than 185,000 veterans who use the VA for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one TBI. The majority of those TBIs were classified as mild.
Most TBIs are considered mild, but even mild cases can involve serious long-term effects on areas such as thinking ability, memory, mood and focus. Other symptoms may include headaches, vision, and hearing problems. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is also referred to as a concussion. It can be more difficult to identify than more severe TBI, because there may be no observable head injuries, or non-evidenced on imaging tests; some symptoms may be similar to other problems that stem from combat trauma, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The prevalence of TBIs in the current conflict does not mean troops are suffering brain injuries at a higher rate than in previous conflicts.
Drone attacks, used extensively in conflicts across the Middle East over the last five months, could put troops at greater risk of traumatic brain injury and psychological harm, according to medical experts and veterans groups.
More than 600 service members have been wounded in action during the five-month war with Iran, with a majority suffering traumatic brain injuries, according to statements from the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command. As drones proliferate in Ukraine, soldiers have shown more upper-body and blast injuries along with signs of intense anxiety and hypervigilance, said Dr. Joseph Bonvie, a retired U.S. Navy operational psychologist and senior director of clinical services for Home Base, a Boston-based nonprofit that treats veterans and service members.
The Defense Department reported nearly 500,000 traumatic brain injuries between 2000 and 2025, a number that continues to grow, said Kelly Parker, director of Independence Services at the Wounded Warrior Project. “Many of them will need care for the rest of their lives, or some type of support for the rest of their lives,” Parker said.
Brain injuries can have long-term effects and remain difficult to diagnose and treat. Recovery from traumatic brain injury varies greatly from person-to-person. Factors such as the severity of the injury, the individual’s age, overall health, and access to rehabilitation all influence the outcome. Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery. Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, grief, or changes in self-identity. They may mourn the loss of abilities they once took for granted while learning to adapt to a new reality. Family members and caregivers also face emotional and practical challenges as they support their loved one’s recovery. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are warning about a steep decline in Pentagon funding for brain injury research. Funding for medical research into traumatic brain injuries fell from, $175 million in 2024 to $40.5 million in 2026; a drop of more than 75%. According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars who are lobbying Congress for more funding for brain injury research, better diagnostic tools and long-term treatments for veterans.
Conditions stemming from TBI can range from headaches, irritability, and sleep disorders to memory problems, slower thinking, and depression. These conditions often lead to long-term mental and physical health problems that can impair Veterans’ employment, family relationships, and reintegration into home communities. Depending on the severity of the brain injury, a person with TBI may experience a change in consciousness that can range from being dazed and confused to losing consciousness. They may also experience memory loss. Treatment can include a mix of cognitive, physical, speech, and occupational therapy, along with medication to control specific symptoms such as headaches or anxiety.
A traumatic brain injury can permanently change a person’s life, but it does not define that person’s worth or potential. Family members, friends, and employers don’t always understand concealed impairments, leading to frustration, misunderstandings, and social isolation. Patience, self-education on TBI and awareness are key in recognizing that healing from a brain injury takes time and compassion. The goal is to help the individual regain as much independence and quality of life as possible. Walk softly.
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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email. Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
