Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What was the cause of brain injury in the Navy SEALs studied in the article?
Jennifer Collins pushed for more research into brain injuries in Navy SEALs.
True
What was the diagnosis given to David Collins when doctors scanned his brain?
depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
What were some of the symptoms the Navy SEAL experienced after his final deployment?
Signup and view all the answers
What symptoms can deteriorating brain function cause according to SEAL veterans?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the article, Navy SEALs who died by suicide had signs of brain injuries after years around blasts.
Signup and view all the answers
Where can individuals reach out for help if they are having thoughts of suicide?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the distinctive damage found in every brain tested by the military lab?
Signup and view all the answers
The vast majority of blast exposure for Navy SEALs comes from enemy action.
Signup and view all the answers
What were some of the symptoms David Metcalf experienced due to his brain injury?
Signup and view all the answers
Blast waves may kill brain cells without causing any immediately noticeable __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Brain Damage in Navy SEALs
- A military lab found a unique pattern of brain damage in every Navy SEAL brain it tested, caused by repeated blast exposure.
- The damage pattern was not seen in civilians or veterans exposed to a single powerful explosion.
- The distinctive damage was found in the brains of at least 12 Navy SEALs who died by suicide.
Blast Exposure and Brain Damage
- The majority of blast exposure for Navy SEALs comes from firing their own weapons, not from enemy action.
- Repeated blast exposure can lead to brain damage, causing symptoms such as:
- Memory and coordination problems
- Insomnia and headaches
- Depression, anxiety, and paranoia
- Mood swings and impulsiveness
- The damage can be cumulative, leading to a sudden decline in cognitive function and behavior.
Inadequate Communication and Response
- The lab's findings were not shared with Navy SEAL leadership, preventing them from addressing the issue.
- The Navy was not informed of the findings, and only learned about them when told by The New York Times.
- The lack of communication has led to a failure to address the issue, and potentially critical threat to the elite special operators.
Impact on SEALs
- The average age of the SEALs who died by suicide was 43, and they had all deployed to combat multiple times.
- They had spent years firing powerful weapons, jumping from airplanes, and engaging in other high-impact activities.
- Late in their careers, they started to struggle with cognitive and behavioral problems, which were often misdiagnosed as PTSD.
Research and Diagnosis
- The Defense Department's Brain Tissue Repository was established in 2012 to study brain tissue from deceased veterans.
- The lab's research team discovered a pattern of microscopic damage, which they called interface astroglial scarring.
- The lab plans to publish findings on astrocyte injuries soon.
Personal Stories
-
Lieutenant David Metcalf, a Navy SEAL, died by suicide in 2019, leaving a note that described his symptoms and struggles with brain damage.
-
His wife, Jamie Metcalf, said that her husband's death was an attempt to draw attention to the widespread problem of blast-induced brain injury.
-
Jennifer Collins, whose husband, David Collins, was a SEAL, pushed for research on brain damage after his death, and her efforts led to the donation of several SEAL brains to the lab.### Brain Damage in Navy SEALs
-
Research suggests that brain damage in Navy SEALs is caused by energy waves bouncing off tissue boundaries, creating a vacuum that causes nearby liquid in the brain to explode into vapor bubbles, leading to cavitation.
-
Cavitation is a violent process that can blow brain cells apart.
The Role of Jennifer Collins
- Jennifer Collins, whose husband was a SEAL for 20 years, made it her mission to get more families to donate brains for research after her husband's death.
- She shared her husband's case with Navy SEAL leaders, veterans' groups, and gatherings of wives, and often contacted families of SEALs who died by suicide.
Brain Donation and Research
- Jennifer Collins' influence led to brain donation becoming more common for Special Operations troops.
- Researchers have learned much from the donated brains, but little of this information has reached the SEAL team leadership.
Cases of Brain Damage and Suicide
- Retired Chief Petty Officer Bill Mulder, an explosives expert, suffered from sleeplessness, memory loss, and frustration, and eventually took his own life at age 46.
- Lieutenant Metcalf, a high-achieving SEAL sniper, suffered from moodiness, confusion, and headaches after his final deployment, and died by suicide at age 42.
Broader Problem
- Many career SEALs have signs of brain injuries after years of exposure to blasts.
- Several SEAL veterans reported that their former teammates are now divorced and grappling with depression, paranoia, and substance abuse, all of which can be caused by deteriorating brain function.
- Desperate calls from suicidal friends are common among SEAL veterans.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
A study by a military lab found a pattern of brain damage in Navy SEALs who died by suicide, linked to repeated blast exposure. The finding was not disclosed to Navy SEAL leaders.
