Traumatic Brain Injuries Rise Among US Troops in Iran Conflict

As the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran enters its 20th day, a concerning trend is emerging: a significant increase in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among US service members. More than 200 US troops have been wounded in the conflict, with at least 140 diagnosed with TBI-related injuries, according to a US official ABC News.

The Signature Wound of Modern Warfare

Experts warn that TBIs are rapidly becoming a “signature wound” of the US war in Iran. The injuries are largely attributed to Iran’s use of one-way attack drones and the resulting concussive blasts experienced by American service members stationed in countries across the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

Dr. Jayna Moceri-Brooks, a specialist in combat-related brain injuries, emphasized the unavoidable nature of these injuries. “If they’re near a blast, there should be no doubt they have a TBI,” she stated to ABC News. “You can’t escape from blast overpressure… symptoms can be debilitating.”

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI is a brain injury caused by an external force. The effects can range from short-term issues with cognitive function, movement, understanding, and communication to severe and permanent disability, and even death. TBIs can be categorized as primary – occurring immediately from the impact – or secondary, developing gradually over hours, days, or weeks.

Common symptoms of TBIs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. Emotional symptoms like frustration and irritability are also frequently experienced during recovery. Long-term effects can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making.

Long-Term Health Risks for Veterans

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that veterans who have sustained TBIs are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to those without a brain injury diagnosis. TBIs have been a prevalent injury in post-9/11 conflicts, with over 460,000 service members diagnosed between 2001 and 2023 ABC News.

Past Incidents and Lingering Effects

This is not the first instance of US troops sustaining TBIs in attacks by Iran. In January 2020, following the US drone strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran launched 15 ballistic missiles at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. Initially, the Trump administration reported no injuries, but later acknowledged that 110 service members were wounded, most with TBIs.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Futrell, an Ohio Army National Guard veteran who was injured in the 2020 attack, continues to experience lingering symptoms. He initially suffered debilitating migraines and now experiences memory lapses, describing a sensation of “buffering like a YouTube video” when struggling to discover the right words. He reported that the injury has been a “huge strain” on himself and his family ABC News.

Current Conflict Context

The ongoing conflict between the US and Israel and Iran has seen escalating tensions and attacks across the Middle East. On March 20, 2026, the US reportedly approved $7 billion in additional weapons for the United Arab Emirates Times Now. Iran has continued to launch waves of attacks, including its 66th wave of “Operation True Promise 4,” deploying multi-warhead missiles Times Now. Israel has indicated that the war may continue for weeks, and has been striking a wider array of targets within Iran than during previous conflicts AP News.