(January 31, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Having an injury causing a concussion during active service can place soldiers at increased risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to research in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here are some facts about injuries in modern soldiers:

•    Injuries to the head and neck have become so common during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that they have been labeled these wars' signature injuries.

•    As many as 18% of soldiers may experience what is called a mild traumatic brain injury, defined as an injury that causes a temporary loss of consciousness or a period of feeling dazed and confused.

•    Many soldiers who have experienced mild traumatic injuries have gone on to experience symptoms such as irritability, memory problems, headache, and difficulty concentrating.

Researchers from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research surveyed over 2,500 United States army infantry soldiers three to four months after returning from active duty in Iraq. The survey included questions about symptoms of PTSD and depression as well as questions about overall physical health. They compared the responses of soldiers who had mild traumatic brain injuries with those who had other injuries and those who had no injuries.

Overall, 44% of soldiers who had experienced injuries causing a temporary loss of consciousness were found to have the signs and symptoms of PTSD, compared with 27% of those who had injuries that made them feel dazed and confused, 16% of those who had other injuries, and 9% of those who had no injuries. Those who had mild traumatic brain injuries, particularly injuries that caused loss of consciousness, were also more likely to report poorer overall physical health, with more days missed from work, more medical visits, and more symptoms of illness.

Today's research highlights how having a concussion-like injury during active service can place a soldier at increased risk for developing PTSD. It appears that the presence of PTSD and depression contributes to these soldiers' developing poorer overall physical health.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.