The Iran War’s Hidden Toll Concealed by Massa Media: Brain injuries threaten US troops' future

The latest escalation of the US war on Iran has renewed concerns over the long-term health consequences facing American troops exposed to drone and missile attacks, with traumatic brain injuries emerging as one of the conflict’s most significant battlefield wounds, the Associated Press reported.

Nearly 700 US service members have reportedly been wounded during attacks on American positions in West Asia and other combat operations. Military officials have said most suffered traumatic brain injuries and later returned to duty.

The Pentagon has described many injuries as "minor concussions", but medical specialists and veterans warn that blast-related brain injuries can produce symptoms that appear years later and may permanently affect memory, balance, and daily life.

Veteran Marine Joe Shearer experienced two blast incidents while in Iraq in 2005. The first came from a mortar explosion that knocked him down and caused vomiting, while a later roadside bomb attack sent a shock wave through his body.

At the time, Shearer continued his missions despite headaches and other symptoms.

"As long as you got back up and could go back on patrol, that’s kind of what you did," he told AP.

Years later, he was diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries linked to those incidents. He continues to experience migraines, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty completing everyday tasks.

The war on Iran has brought renewed attention to these injuries as US forces face a different battlefield environment, with drones and missiles creating blast effects that can strike troops at close range. [MORE]