9/11 The Military and Epilepsy

Memorial From World Trade Center Tower 1

It’s the thirteenth anniversary of 9/11—the World Trade Center bombings in 2001.  This is when we officially started the War Against Terrorism.  Since then, our military has been on high alert. Our troops have been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.  They have done tours all over the world at a moments’ notice. 

And now, we’re heading for a new campaign against ISIL.  It is supposed to be a limited operation, but you never know what will happen.  Will it expand into another Vietnam War scenario?

The dangers our troops face each day are enormous—they put their lives on the line to keep our country free and strong.  For those who come home, it is a relief to their families.  Sometimes it’s a burden.  After all, combat does change a person.

How does this relate to epilepsy?  Epilepsy does not exist in a vacuum.  It can happen to anyone at any time.  However, there are risk factors that increase the chances of getting epilepsy.  One of these is head injury.  This is especially common among service men and women who often experience traumatic brain injury due to explosions on the field. 

However, since the injury is so deep inside the brain, it is hard to identify.  Often, the epilepsy lies there waiting until something sets off a seizure.  It could be something totally random, but when analyzed, you will find that it links back to that initial brain injury.

The challenge becomes for our military, how to accept the diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury and then on top of that, epilepsy.  These life-altering diagnoses will undoubtedly put the person in a sense of weakness, which he or she is not used to. 

Fortunately, there are resources that can help.  Click here for more information.  This is the first steppingstone toward rebuilding a life that has been completely changed because of war.  The journey will continue with the support of family, friends, community, and government (however imperfect it may be).