Returning troops getting tested for brain injuries

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) — Every soldier who's gone to war in the past year paused before leaving to take a brain test — basic math, matching numbers and symbols and identifying patterns to measure response time and accuracy. Now that some of these troops have returned, they're taking a fresh round of tests, all part of a broad effort by the military to better treat head injuries.

The Department of Defense is also deploying some unusual weapons for treating the injuries, including paint guns and motion-sensitive video games integrated into therapy at new trauma centers around the country.

More than 150,000 service members from the Marines, Air Force, Army and Navy have undergone the testing that became mandatory last year. Those who suffer a concussion or similar head injury will get a follow-up test.

The 101st Airborne Division is the only division going a step further and testing all soldiers again over the last few months as they have been returning to Fort Campbell from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZjnR__UMhqB_VXx-xAKYaxCM5AAD97EU9BG0

[nolabear]

1. It's about damn time. eom

[uppityperson]

2. k&r for good