Where We Live: Brain Trauma

Official military statistics show that more than 115,000 soldiers have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries since the wars began.

Although the official term includes the word “mild,” there’s nothing “mild about the impact of these injuries - otherwise known as concussions – on the battlefield or the playing field. 

Loss of memory, concentration and long-term psychological problems can be the result.

An investigation by NPR and ProPublica shows that tens of thousands more of these injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan have gone uncounted.   NPR's Daniel Zwerdling will join us to talk about the story and the failure of the military to diagnose, treat and document soldiers returning from war with mild traumatic brain injuries. 

Also, we'll talk about new Connecticut legislation that prepares high school coaches to recognize the signs of concussions and protect students from playing while injured.