Systems engineering models for signature injuries of modern military conflicts

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20003343

Modern military conflicts are producing dramatic increases in a new class of "silent" injuries, in part due to the changing manners by which war is waged and better protective equipment. Foremost among these are traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and various mental health issues. The estimated prevalence of TBI is significantly higher in the military when compared to the general population, with the vast majority of soldiers being diagnosed with mild TBI which occurs with no outward signs of trauma. PTSD, on the other hand, is an increasingly important problem among U.S. service members and one of the signature injuries in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Since associated problems with these disorders often are cognitive, emotional, and behavioral, many cases go undetected and untreated indefinitely, linked with significant psychological disorders, long-term disabilities, and economic burdens.