Latest news with #PostTraumaticStressDisorder
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
MoD admits Britain's troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons
Senior British officers and scientists admit British troops may suffer 'brain damage' caused by low impact blasts from their own weapons while fighting on the frontline Thousands of UK troops could have brain damage caused by their own weapons, defence chiefs have confirmed. Blast waves repeatedly caused by explosions from weapons could have led to life-long health issues, it has been revealed. The Ministry of Defence's lead officer on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lt Col James Mitchell admitted exposure to weapons blasts could cause the injuries. He told ITV News that in Iraq and Afghanistan, TBI and concussion was caused by larger explosions and blasts. But in fact low level blasts may cause health problems. Lt Col Mitchell told ITV News: "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts.' He said low level blasts were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems." Lt Col Mitchell said 'thousands' of personnel may have been exposed to harmful blasts. Most at risk are troops exposed to heavy weapons like mortars, shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. The force is so strong it enters the skull and can cause microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure means the brain may not heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They are severe headaches, sight problems, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Scientists are probing the causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at Birmingham University said: 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' Hugh Keir, a Para Regiment sniper who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. British troops throughout the Afghan and Iraq wars were repeatedly exposed to firefights, explosions from bombs and mortars, especially being fired by their own side. Thousands have suffered hearing loss from the blasts but the new research suggests lower-grade blasts may have caused long-term issues. Sources said the research into the issue is ongoing and may result in protective gear used by soldiers may be investigated and further improved in a bid to protect against the blast waves. An estimated 300,000 armed forces personnel suffering with hearing loss caused by the relentless noise of military life. Hearing loss and tinnitus is much more common in the military population than the general public. In fact, by the age of 75, service personnel are 3.5 times more likely to experience hearing difficulties than the general public. The UK Armed Forces has a number of compensation schemes for serving and former serving personnel who have been injured as a result of their service in the armed forces. If the injury was caused prior to April 6 2005 and the person is no longer serving this would be the War Pension Scheme (WPS). The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was established for soldiers injured after 2005 who are still in active service. However the criteria to claim for both schemes is arduous and in-depth.
The National
2 days ago
- Health
- The National
British Army weapons systems causing brain damage in soldiers
According to an investigation by ITV News, thousands of serving British soldiers may be suffering from brain damage due to being exposed to harmful blast waves from weapons used by the army. The MoD's leading expert on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) confirmed to the broadcaster that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Those most at risk are those who have regularly been exposed to heavy weapons, such as mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. READ MORE: Scottish policing will be 'seriously affected' by Trump visit, says police body Lt Col James Mitchell told ITV News that previously in early campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was believed that the main cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers were large munitions and impact blasts. However, experts now believe that soldiers are suffering from brain injuries due to their own weapons systems. 'Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts,' Mitchell explained. He said these low level blasts were predominantly being caused by 'the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems'. Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts. It is believed that the figure is potentially even higher for veterans who may have been affected. Heavy weapons used by British soldiers create explosions which produce a wave of overpressure, which effectively causes a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels. (Image: RSA) These blast waves can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull and transfers energy to the brain which can cause microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Experts believe repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, leading to serious long-term neurological damage. It can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and can include severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss, and a sense of personality change. Scientists around the UK are now hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham has partnered with the MoD as they aim to study mild TBI and estimate what kind of brain damage veterans may have. Professor Lisa Hill, a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham, explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.'
STV News
2 days ago
- Health
- STV News
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
The MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain, as ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew reports Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. 'Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts,' he explained. He said these low level blasts were predominantly being caused by 'the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems'. Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Lt Col James Mitchell, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged thousands of troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blasts Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. / Credit: ITV News Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. Hugh Keir / Credit: H-Hour podcast/Hugh Keir He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what 'normal' looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available The charity Samaritans operates a 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone who needs somebody to talk to. Further resources can also be found on its website. Concussion Legacy Foundation supports British current and former serving members and their families The Concussion Legacy Foundation also provides a personalised helpline for those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
2 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
MoD admits British Army weapons systems are causing brain damage in soldiers
Words by ITV News Assistant Producer Robbie Boyd Thousands of serving troops may be suffering from brain damage after being exposed to harmful blast waves from the British Army's weaponry, an ITV News investigation has revealed. In a landmark admission, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that weapons systems used by the army are causing brain damage in soldiers. Speaking to ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew, the MoD's lead on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), acknowledged that repeated exposure to blasts generated by some army weapons can injure the brain and lead to life‑long health conditions. Lt Col James Mitchell said during earlier campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the perception was that large munitions and impact blasts were the primary cause of TBI and concussion among British soldiers. However, that is no longer the case, with TBI and concussion being blamed on the impact on soldiers from their own weapons systems. "Over especially the last five to ten years, we're starting to appreciate the role of what we call low level blasts," he explained. He said these low level blast were predominantly being caused by "the exposure of our service personnel to blast over-pressure from their own weapons systems". Lt Col Mitchell added that while exact figures are not known, 'thousands' of serving personnel have been exposed to harmful blasts, with figures potentially even higher for veterans affected. Most at risk are those who have been repeatedly exposed to heavy weapons, including mortars, some shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons, 50-calibre rifles and machine guns, or explosive charges. Explosions create a wave of 'overpressure', a spike in the surrounding air pressure above normal atmospheric levels caused by a blast wave. It can create a force so strong that it penetrates the skull, and the energy transferred to the brain causes microscopic damage to blood vessels and neurons. Repeated exposure can overwhelm the brain's ability to heal itself, causing serious long-term neurological damage. Symptoms of blast-related TBI overlap with those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), making it difficult to diagnose. They may include: severe headaches, visual disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, memory loss and a sense of personality change. Now, scientists around the UK are hoping to explore the potential causes of TBI, with financial support from the MoD. The University of Birmingham is playing a key role in the mild TBI study in partnership with the MoD, which aims to estimate what kind of brain damage veterans have. Professor Lisa Hill is a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham. She explained that when the brain is damaged, it releases biomarkers, biological clues that can help scientists understand what and where the damage is happening. 'If somebody gets injured, it changes the structure and function of the brain, but it also releases chemicals that you wouldn't normally see,' she said. 'So if we can measure things in blood or in their saliva, that can tell us how potentially bad their injury has been and what symptoms they might go on to get.' But policy changes might need to be made in order to reduce or prevent injuries in the first place. Professor Karen Mullinger, an expert in neuro-imaging at Nottingham University, is working to identify patterns of damage with sophisticated brain scanning technology called OPM MEG. Hugh Keir, a sniper with the Parachute Regiment who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, now runs the H-Hour podcast which is popular with veterans in the UK and abroad. He volunteered to undergo a trial scan to see if his years of exposure to blast have left a mark. The results showed normal brain activity overall, but there were some signs that may indicate damage. To be certain, Prof Mullinger and her team need to scan many more veterans and controls to build up a database of what "normal" looks like. In time, it is hoped there will be enough data to allow for definitive diagnoses. Professor Mullinger also plans to study soldiers in real time, to see which activities are highest risk. 'We can scan these soldiers before they go and do a training exercise and then immediately after, then we get a baseline which is specific to them,' she said. 'If the 'wire paths' have been damaged by blasts or whatever else it might be, then the function is going to change.' The information collected from these trials could shape policy, such as modifying the most damaging weapons or reducing blast exposure in training exercises.
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Thug vowed to kill ex who fled country after brutal golf club beating
Mark Conway, of Marine View, Athlone, Co Westmeath was handed down five month prison terms for assaulting Kirsty Fitzpatrick Mark Conway has been jailed for a violent attack on his ex-partner during which he vowed to kill her 'by the end of the day'. A father of two who left his ex-girlfriend 'battered all over her body' following a 'savage attack' with a golf club has been jailed for a separate assault on his victim during which he threatened to kill her 'by the end of the day'. Thirty-nine-year-old Mark Conway, of Marine View, Athlone, Co Westmeath was handed down five month prison terms for assaulting Kirsty Fitzpatrick at the above named address and taking her vehicle without her permission on July 16, 2023. Conway, who is currently on remand awaiting sentencing for a subsequent attack on Ms Fitzpatrick some seven months later on February 16, 2024, appeared at a sitting of Athlone District Court having been convicted by District Court Judge Bernadette Owens in March. That hearing heard how Conway awoke his former partner as she lay asleep following an 'all day and night' drinking session to inform her he had run her blue Mini Cooper off the road without her knowledge and discarded its keys across from a local primary school. Ms Fitzpatrick said when Conway entered the bedroom, he began complaining of chest pains brought about by whiplash while she proceeded to check his pockets to see if Conway had, in fact, placed the keys there. When Ms Fitzpatrick challenged Conway as to why he decided to take the keys from her jacket which had been hanging on the back of a bedroom door, she said the argument suddenly took a more sinister and aggressive turn. 'He hit me in the head and he had my hair wrapped around his hands in a way that I couldn't break free,' she said. 'He attacked me and his father tried to get involved to stop him.' Ms Fitzpatrick said in the ensuing struggle, she managed to free herself from Conway's grip by barricading herself in a bathroom. She said despite those attempts, Conway attempted to break the door down as she was in the midst of making a desperate call to gardaí to come to her aid. When asked by Sgt Paul McNally, for the State, how the assault affected her, Ms Fitzpatrick said the episode left her with deep-seated physical and emotional trauma. 'I suffered from anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and ended up having lumps on my head,' she said. Under cross-examination from defence solicitor Mark Cooney, Ms Fitzpatrick confirmed the vehicle was not insured on the day of the incident and was not taxed either. Mr Cooney pressed Ms Fitzpatrick over claims the car was, not in fact, registered in her name while suggesting her assertions over the precise nature of the assault contained distinct variances to what she had given in her direct evidence. Ms Fitzpatrick replied by insisting she had paid for the car and signed its logbook, rubbishing claims she had ran to another area of the house for cover and not in a bathroom. 'I might not have said a bathroom (in statement to gardaí), I said a room, but it's still a room,' she countered, while revealing how she had attempted to retract her statement owing to the fact she had nowhere else to live. She agreed with Mr Cooney her on and off four year relationship with Conway was a volatile one, but flatly denied assertions that she too had traded blows with her ex-boyfriend. 'In the relationship, I never fought back,' she said. 'Yes, I was annoyed and yes, I shouted at him, but I was upset. I only bought the car six weeks previously and then I woke up to him in the bedroom with him telling me he had crashed my car. 'I never, ever swung for him and I never hit back, ever.' That evidence was one which was backed up by sworn testimony from investigating Garda Haley Foley. She told of how she arrived at Conway's home just before 3pm on foot of reports that a domestic violence incident was unfolding. 'She (Ms Fitzpatrick) said she was annoyed and was shouting at Mark Conway and that Noel Conway, Mark's father had stood in front of her to protect her ,' said Garda Foley. 'She stated that Mark physically hit her on the head with his fist and he said he will kill her by the end of the day.' Garda Foley said she also photographed Ms Fitzpatrick's injuries and later corroborated Ms Fitzpatrick's insistence that the car in question was indeed registered in her name. Conway, it was revealed, had been initially arrested in connection to a separate matter before he was later quizzed over the alleged assault on Ms Fitzpatrick. In a memo of interview which was read out in open court, Conway was asked had he permission from Ms Fitzpatrick to take her Mini Cooper out onto a public road, prompting the accused to reply: 'No, I took the keys.' Conway insisted there had been a physical struggle between the pair and that he had raised his hands only to 'push her back,' describing as 'b*******' reports he had grabbed Ms Fitzpatrick's hair. Conway, who had pleaded guilty to having no insurance and driving without a licence last July, was ultimately convicted of both assaulting Ms Fitzpatrick and taking her vehicle without her permission. Those revelations followed hot on the heels of Conway's appearance before Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court in connection a separate attack on the 27-year-old on February 16, 2024, at his home address. The court was told Conway, who had 19 previous convictions to his name prior to the July 2023, was acceptive of the court's decision. Mark Conway has been jailed for a violent attack on his ex-partner during which he vowed to kill her 'by the end of the day'. News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd His defence solicitor Mark Cooney said his client was acutely aware he would not be 'going anywhere for some time' while he awaits sentencing for the more recent subsequent attack on Ms Fitzpatrick on February 16, 2024, at his home address. 'There will be a custodial sentence of quite a reasonable length and he accepts that,' said Mr Cooney, in reference to what Circuit Court Judge Keenan Johnson branded a 'savage attack' on his victim with a golf club. Conway is due back in court in November for the purposes of a probation report on November 25 for the purposes of a probation report to determine whether any part of an indicative six year sentence can be suspended. That incident, the court heard, also involved the use of a wooden floorboard in an episode that forced Ms Fitzpatrick to emigrate and start a new life abroad. Much of that decision Ms Fitzpatrick said had been fuelled by threats her ex-boyfriend had sent, putting her in almost constant fear. Ms Fitzpatrick recalled one of his messages said: "Gardaí could not protect me even if I changed my name or colour of hair, he would still find me, or if I set foot in Athlone." In delivering sentence, Judge Owens handed down five month sentences the unauthorised taking of her car and assault on Ms Fitzpatrick, terms which she directed to run consecutively. Conway was also fined €450 payable forthwith in lieu of five days in prison for a no insurance charge arising out of the same incident whilst also being disqualified for two years. The duration of that sentence was backdated to March 19, the day when Conway was convicted in the District Court.
