Long-Term Effects

Maj Hemstad
Over 80 percent of patients with mild traumatic brain injury will recover quickly and fully with no long-term effects. Less than 20 percent of patients may have some longer lasting, or even permanent, symptoms. Persistent headaches, memory loss, anxiety, and depression are the most common lasting problems. Challenges relating to movement, balance, attention span, concentration, judgment, and reaction time can also be persistent in some patients. 

Lt Col Reynolds
In combat, the effects of a concussion can be potentially dangerous, putting others at risk. Even mild traumatic brain injury can affect a service member’s ability to drive, handle weapons, establish situational awareness, follow rules of engagement, or control aggression. These factors must be considered when making return to duty decisions.