As discussed in the previous post, a paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society found that symptoms of traumatic brain injury don't diminish over time and may actually worsen. Symptoms of post-concussive syndrome include memory loss, depression, headaches and dizziness. The study underscores how difficult it can be to treat and to heal from a traumatic brain injury.

Servicemembers with traumatic brain injuries may have difficulty finding jobs and their person lives may also suffer. TBIs bring both physical injuries and mental and emotional injuries and must be treated medically and psychologically. If a person with a traumatic brain injury can no longer work, they may need to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

The study also addressed the theory that servicemembers continue to say that they are disabled in order to receive disability benefits. The authors said that there is no ample evidence that this is the case.

It can be difficult for a person with a traumatic brain injury that can't been seen on the outside to claim a disability, but studies like this that chronicle ongoing suffering can help build such a case.

Future studies will continue to follow veterans and to see whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy and early onset-dementia results from the trauma to the brain.

Source: New York Times, "Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Persist for Years," James Dao, July 18, 2012