U.S. Troops injured in the Al-Asad Missile Attack display brain injuries different from typical brain injuries. Unlike a head wound from flying debris or bomb blasts, the damage resulting from large pressure waves (like the one at al-Asad) often takes more time to diagnose and can be more difficult to diagnose. Many traumatic brain injuries like these are minimized or underreported in the beginning because the symptoms are masked by combat adrenaline rush.
Even traumatic brain injuries classified as “mild” can result in headaches, nausea, confusion, and dizziness, with longer-term effects including chronic, severe headaches, changes in mood, chronic depression, and chronic dizziness. Repeated head trauma can lead to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy—a degenerative brain disorder that has been linked to substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and severe depression. The Al-Asad soldiers began experiencing headaches and brain fog within days of the attack, with many of those injured suffering persistent TBI symptoms.