Latest news with #PostTraumaticStressDisorder
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
A month of central Texas floods: 5 key takeaways from the July 4 disaster
A month has passed since the tragic floods in central Texas took the lives of over 130 people and caused an estimated $18 billion worth of damage, all within just a couple of days. CENTER POINT, TEXAS - JULY 23: In an aerial view, the Guadalupe River is seen on July 23, 2025 in Center Point, Texas(Getty Images via AFP) One of the deadliest inland flood disasters in recent history, the floods affected Kerr and Hill Counties primarily, but Lake Travis, Mason, San Angelo counties and other points along the Colorado River were also affected. One month on, these Central Texas counties are still mourning the tragedy and the trauma that came along with the disaster. Here, we look back at the key events that, within just three days, shaped up as one of the US's severest disasters, even overtaking the 1976 Big Thompson Canyon flood in Colorado. Key Events From The Texas Floods: 1. 45 Minutes of Disaster It all happened on the fateful night of July 4, with residents of Kerr and Bandera counties getting a Flash Flood Warning alert late at night, at 1:14 a.m. Within the next few hours, floodwaters rose rapidly, inundating the Guadalupe River's watershed in Kerr and Hill counties. Between 4:15 a.m. to 5 a.m. on July 4, the Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet, leaving very little time for the residents to react, and all of it in the very early hours of the morning. As the Guadalupe River crested in Kerrville at 37.52 feet, the NWS issued a "very dangerous flash flood event" warning. For many, it was already too late to get to higher ground, including the children and staff at Camp Mystic - a Christian all-girls summer camp in Kerrville on the banks of the Guadalupe River. 27 people were killed at Camp Mystic. 2. Damages To Life And Infrastructure More than 130 people were killed and the disaster caused significant damage to infrastructure in these counties, as the flood waters destroyed homes, businesses, campgrounds, disrupted commerce and supply chains, significant insurance claims, loss of tourism revenue, emergency response costs, and long-term recovery expenses. AccuWeather's preliminary investigation revealed that between $18 billion $22 billion worth of damages was incurred by Texas. 3. A Search Operation Of Epic Proportion The flooding damages triggered a search operation of epic proportions, triggering a response from both local and federal emergency management systems. By July 6, with nearly 200 people missing, the full extent of the damages was becoming clear. More than 2000 volunteers were aiding in the rescue, and more than 440 people were rescued. Some major helicopter operations was part of the rescue plan. Also read: Texas floods: How you can help victims and support affected families 4. Survivors Reeling With Trauma A month after the disaster, the victims who have survived are still reeling from the trauma of the entire episode. Barry Adleman, a grandfather, told CNN that he is grappling with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after barely surviving the floods with his grandchildren. Besides, it has also been reported that several people are awaiting aid from the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA), but assistance has been barely coming. FEMA usually gives $8000 to flood victims, which meant to carry out a full repair of the home, Madison Sloan, the director of the Disaster Recovery and Fair Housing Project at Texas Appleseed, told CNN. 'FEMA assistance can be hard to access and FEMA routinely sends denial letters. If you've just been through a disaster and you get a denial letter, that's a huge burden,' she added. 5. Disaster Alert System Under The Scanner Since the deadly floods, a lot of questions have come up on whether the emergency response systems were able to warn residents at the right time, and such a mass casualty could have been avoided by taking precautions. Several emergency responders who were on duty at Kerr County are being questioned at the Texas Senate over their role. In the hearing, the coordinator of emergency management in Kerr County said he was sleeping for most of the day when floods hit. Another official, meanwhile, failed to show up at the public hearing before the Texas Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding on July 21
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Myleene Klass's ‘devastating question' after ex ‘cheated with well-known star'
EXCLUSIVE: Loose Women's Myleene Klass has opened up about the moment she caught her ex-husband Graham Quinn cheating on her with a famous star at her own birthday party Myleene Klass has talked about the devastating moment she caught her ex Graham Quinn cheating on her with a well-known celebrity at her own birthday party. Speaking on the We Need To Talk podcast, the Loose Women star, 47, alleged that the shock incident happened at her home, well before they married. 'I walked in on him with a famous person on my birthday on a balcony,' said Myleene. 'I'm in my house, it's my party. They weren't having sex, but they were unzipping each other,' she claimed. 'I kicked everybody out of the party – including his mum and dad.' The mum-of-three didn't name the celeb in question, but she added that the woman was famous for building 'a family brand.' In the wake of the alleged dalliance, Myleene claimed Graham apologised and blamed it on alcohol. It comes after Cruz Beckham 'steals' his dad's tiny white trunks and family have epic response. Despite insisting she has 'made peace with that situation", Myleene says it turned her world upside down. 'My life literally broke apart very, very publicly,' she told podcast host Paul C Brunson. Despite happening over a decade ago, trauma therapist Stefan Walter tells new such a distressing discovery inevitably caused long-lasting scars. 'Any betrayal shakes us to our core – we think we're in a loving, trusting relationship, and that our partner is loyal to us, too. When those beliefs are suddenly shattered, it causes emotional trauma that can become hidden – sometimes for decades.' Stefan likens Myleene's experience to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), saying, 'With something like this, you often keep reliving it and having nightmares. Emotional trauma is just as profound as physical pain, if not more so.' He adds that Graham's reported infidelity may have led Myleene to doubt herself. 'We start to question ourselves and think, 'Am I worthy?' It can reactivate past trauma of times where we've not felt good or been overlooked, so it's a very deep wound.' Addressing the incident after so many years may help her lay old ghosts to rest. 'It's probably part of her healing. Talking about what she went through, showing how she's rebuilt her sense of self without shame or embarrassment, is probably helpful,' Stefan adds. Still, a source close to the star also tells new she may never fully recover from the heartbreak. 'It may be years in her past, but Myleene found the whole thing deeply upsetting – in a way, it will never go away. 'She believes in love and wanted to stay married forever, despite some doubts beforehand. It was very brave of her to speak up. It's only now, that she can be truthful about how much it affected her, as it was such a painful chapter of her life.' Myleene and former bodyguard Graham got together when she was in Hear'Say and dated for six years before having baby Ava in 2007. Their second daughter, Hero Harper, was born in 2011 and they got married that October. Graham left six months later, and they divorced in 2013. Myleene later said, 'something didn't feel right', and that the night before their wedding, 'I was in the bath and I was just sobbing.' She also told how the day was a disaster. 'My best mate wasn't even at my wedding,' she said. 'It was miserable… I literally cried the entire reception. 'We had to haggle our way through with the restaurant, could we have some burgers and put the tables together? There was no planning – I wasn't allowed to plan a wedding.' Their eventual split came after Myleene suspected Graham had been unfaithful again. She says she turned up unannounced where he was working, adding, 'I knew there'd been somebody in that room.' She also said Graham refused to sign a prenup, and that the financial mess sparked by their divorce affected her mental health. 'I couldn't breathe. Finances were spiralling. I thought, 'I'm going to lose everything,'' she said. Despite vowing never to marry again, she's now engaged to Simon Motson, a PR guru she met on a blind date in 2015. She announced she was pregnant with their first child on Valentine's Day in 2019, and gave birth to their son Apollo that August. His arrival was especially emotional as Myleene experienced four miscarriages before he came along. In an Instagram post in 2020 she wrote, 'I am Mama to 7 babies, Ava, Hero, Apollo my rainbow baby and 4 little stars in the sky.' The couple announced their engagement in September 2020, but are yet to reveal a wedding date. 'It's one of those things that's rumbling along,' Myleene said last year. Romantically, Simon popped the question on the fifth anniversary of their first date, after transforming their shed into a replica of the bar they met in. He borrowed the same table and chairs they sat on at London's Little House private members' club. Myleene recalled, 'He even replicated the dinner – burger and fries, followed by cherry pie. When he got down on one knee and started fumbling under the table, I thought he was joking. Then I thought: 'Oh my God, he's for real.' I was speechless.'
Business Wire
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Compass Pathways Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Business Highlights
LONDON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Compass Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS), a biotechnology company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health, today reported its financial results for the second quarter 2025 and provided an update on recent progress across its business. 'With the recent positive 6-week primary endpoint from our first COMP360 Phase 3 study and the prior positive Phase 2b study, we have now delivered clinically meaningful and highly statistically significant top-line results after a single dose of COMP360 in two late-stage studies in treatment-resistant depression, a considerable achievement in psychiatry,' said Kabir Nath, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Pathways. 'As we look forward to the 006 data, our second phase 3 study, we are excited to see the efficacy of two fixed doses with the 6-week primary endpoint measurement only three weeks after the second dose. Given our recent positive phase 3 data, we are highly focused on solidifying our commercialization efforts and exploring pathways to get this potential paradigm changing treatment option to patients as quickly as possible.' Business Highlights COMP360 psilocybin treatment in TRD (Treatment Resistant Depression) First study of an investigational, synthetic psilocybin, and the first classic psychedelic 1, to report Phase 3 efficacy data A single administration of COMP360 demonstrated a highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in symptom severity at six weeks, in the first of two phase 3 studies (COMP005) Based on its latest review of the data, DSMB safety review found no unexpected safety findings and no clinically meaningful imbalance in suicidal ideation in either phase 3 study (COMP005/COMP006) 2 COMP005 26-week data is expected once all participants in the COMP006 trial have completed part A of the COMP006 trial COMP006 26-week data is expected in the second half of 2026 COMP360 psilocybin treatment in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Late-stage clinical trial design being finalized taking into consideration the results from the phase 2 open label 12-week safety and tolerability study (n=22) that was announced in May 2024, which showed COMP360 was well tolerated and demonstrated both rapid and durable improvement in symptoms from baseline observed following a single administration Board of Directors update Justin Gover, prior CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, appointed to the Compass Pathways Board of Directors Dr. Linda McGoldrick will retire from her position on the Board at the end of October after more than 5 years of service Financial Highlights Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $38.4 million, or $0.41 net loss per share: basic and diluted, compared with $38.1 million, or $0.56 loss per share basic and diluted, during the same period in 2024. The increase in net loss for the quarter was primarily driven by a $2.5 million non-cash loss on fair value adjustment related to our warrant liabilities partially offset by $2.1 million related to foreign exchange gains. As the fair value of the warrants fluctuates with our share price and other market inputs, this adjustment can result in significant variability in our reported net loss. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $56.3 million, or $0.62 net loss per share: basic and diluted, compared with $73.3 million, or $1.11 loss per share basic and diluted, during the same period in 2024. The decrease in net loss for the period was primarily driven by a $16.9 million non-cash gain on fair value adjustment related to our warrant liabilities. As the fair value of the warrants fluctuates with our share price and other market inputs, this adjustment can result in significant variability in our reported net loss. Non-cash share-based compensation for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $3.6 million compared with $4.9 million for the same period in 2024. Non-cash share-based compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $7.5 million compared with $10.1 million for the same period in 2024. Research and development expenses were $30.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $29.1 million during the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to development expenses associated with advancing our late-stage COMP360 phase 3 clinical trials partially offset by decreased personnel and non-cash share-based compensation expenses due to decreased staffing levels associated with the reorganization that took place in the fourth quarter of 2024. Research and development expenses were $61.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $54.0 million during the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to development expenses associated with advancing our late-stage COMP360 phase 3 clinical trials partially offset by decreased personnel and non-cash share-based compensation expenses due to decreased staffing levels associated with the reorganization that took place in the fourth quarter of 2024. General and administrative expenses were $12.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $14.3 million during the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased staffing levels associated with the reorganization that took place in the fourth quarter of 2024 as well as decreased facilities and other expenses as a result of lower insurance premiums and banking fees. General and administrative expenses were $31.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $27.9 million during the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to issuance costs related to the 2025 Financing as well as expenses associated with consulting, accounting and legal advice, partially offset by decreased facilities and other expenses as a result of lower insurance premiums and banking fees as well as decreased personnel expenses due to decreased staffing levels associated with the reorganization that took place in the fourth quarter of 2024. Loss on change in fair value of warrants for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $2.5 million compared with $0.0 million during the same period in 2024. Gain on change in fair value of warrants for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $16.9 million compared with $0.0 million during the same period in 2024. Cash and cash equivalents were $221.9 million as of June 30, 2025, compared with $165.1 million as of December 31, 2024. Debt was $30.9 million as of June 30, 2025, compared with $30.2 million as of December 31, 2024. Financial Guidance Full year 2025 net cash used in operating activities is expected to be in the range of $120 million to $145 million. The cash position at June 30, 2025 is expected to be sufficient to fund operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into 2027. Conference Call The management team will host a conference call at 8:00 am ET (1:00 pm UK) on July 31, 2025. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Compass Pathways website at this link: About Compass Pathways Compass Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a biotechnology company dedicated to accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental health. We are motivated by the need to find better ways to help and empower people with serious mental health conditions who are not helped by existing treatments. We are pioneering a new paradigm for treating mental health conditions focused on rapid and durable responses through the development of our investigational COMP360 synthetic psilocybin treatment, potentially a first in class treatment. COMP360 has Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has received Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Compass is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in New York in the US. We envision a world where mental health means not just the absence of illness but the ability to thrive. Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as 'may', 'might', 'will', 'could', 'would', 'should', 'expect', 'intend', 'plan', 'objective', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'contemplate', 'estimate', 'predict', 'potential', 'continue' and 'ongoing,' or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include express or implied statements relating to, among other things, statements regarding our expectations regarding our financial guidance; our business strategy and goals; our expectations and projections about the company's future cash needs and financial results; our plans and expectations regarding our ongoing Phase 3 trials in TRD, including our expectations regarding the time periods during which the 26-week results of the two ongoing Phase 3 trials will become available; the potential for the pivotal phase 3 program in TRD, any future trials in PTSD, or other trials to support regulatory filings and approvals; our expectations regarding the safety or efficacy of our investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment, including as a treatment for treatment of TRD, PTSD, and anorexia nervosa; any implication that past results will be predictive of future results; our expectations regarding the enrollment of our Phase 3 COMP006 trial; our ability to obtain regulatory approval and adequate coverage and reimbursement; our ability to transition from a clinical-stage to a commercial-stage organization and effectively launch a commercial product, if regulatory approval is obtained; and our expectations regarding the benefits of our investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Compass's control and which could cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others: uncertainties associated with risks related to clinical development which is a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain outcomes, and therefore our clinical trials may be delayed or terminated and may be more costly than expected; the full results and safety data from our first Phase 3 study in TRD, COMP005, or the results and safety data from our second Phase 3 study in TRD, COMP006, may not be consistent with the preliminary results to date; the results of early-stage clinical trials of our investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment in PTSD may not be predictive of the results of our planned late-stage clinical trial in PTSD; our need for substantial additional funding to achieve our business goals and if we are unable to obtain this funding when needed and on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, limit or terminate our clinical trials; our efforts to obtain marketing approval from the applicable regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction for our investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment may be unsuccessful; our efforts to commercialize and obtain coverage and reimbursement for our investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment, if approved, may be unsuccessful; the risk that our strategic collaborations will not continue or will not be successful; and our ability to retain key personnel; and those risks and uncertainties described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Compass's most recent annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the prospectus supplement related to the proposed public offering we plan to file and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), which are available on the SEC's website at Except as required by law, Compass disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Compass's current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. References 1. For the definition of classic psychedelic, see Vollenweider, F.X. and Smallridge, J.W., 2022. Classic psychedelic drugs: update on biological mechanisms. Pharmacopsychiatry, 55 (03), pp.121-138. 2. Statement on file from the DSMB Chair, dated June 19, 2025 COMPASS PATHWAYS PLC Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (expressed in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise stated) June 30, 2025 2024 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 221,881 $ 165,081 Restricted cash 379 389 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 54,143 35,821 Total current assets 276,403 201,291 NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Operating lease right-of-use assets 4,341 2,006 Deferred tax assets 4,290 3,774 Long-term prepaid expenses and other assets 8,502 6,595 Total assets $ 293,536 $ 213,666 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 10,925 $ 12,283 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 10,370 14,495 Debt, current portion 7,982 5,513 Operating lease liabilities - current 2,051 1,725 Total current liabilities 31,328 34,016 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Debt, non-current portion 22,951 24,652 Operating lease liabilities - non-current 2,304 303 Warrant liabilities 74,398 — Total liabilities $ 130,981 $ 58,971 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Ordinary shares, £0.008 par value; 93,586,348 and 68,552,215 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 946 702 Additional paid-in capital 767,190 704,919 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (14,582 ) (16,194 ) Accumulated deficit (590,999 ) (534,732 ) Total shareholders' equity 162,555 154,695 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 293,536 $ 213,666 Expand COMPASS PATHWAYS PLC Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (expressed in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise stated) Three Months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 OPERATING EXPENSES: Research and development $ 30,325 $ 29,069 $ 61,205 $ 53,970 General and administrative 12,608 14,253 31,344 27,925 Total operating expenses 42,933 43,322 92,549 81,895 Loss from operations: (42,933 ) (43,322 ) (92,549 ) (81,895 ) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET: Fair value change of warrant liabilities (2,540 ) — 16,920 — Benefit from R&D tax credit 4,287 3,709 12,735 6,810 Interest income 1,898 2,408 4,284 4,668 Foreign exchange gains (losses) 2,349 225 4,482 (558 ) Interest expense (1,151 ) (1,112 ) (2,275 ) (2,210 ) Other (expense) income (176 ) 167 627 295 Total other income, net 4,667 5,397 36,773 9,005 Loss before income taxes (38,266 ) (37,925 ) (55,776 ) (72,890 ) Income tax expense (137 ) (176 ) (491 ) (398 ) Net loss $ (38,403 ) $ (38,101 ) $ (56,267 ) $ (73,288 ) Net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders: basic and diluted $ (0.41 ) $ (0.56 ) $ (0.62 ) $ (1.11 ) Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding: basic and diluted 93,341,594 68,371,139 91,278,385 66,296,658 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign exchange translation adjustment 1,729 81 1,612 45 Comprehensive loss $ (36,674 ) $ (38,020 ) $ (54,655 ) $ (73,243 ) Expand
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- 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
23-07-2025
- 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.'
