Soldier’s Life Different after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Sergeant Andrew Birzer had a military career spanning 17 years, but after experiencing a traumatic brain injury from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan he made the decision, “I'd rather be more sedated than more angry.” Birzer’s situation is not an unusual one. After the explosion four years ago, Birzer didn’t seek medical help and started another tour for thirteen months in Iraq. “I just ignored the headaches. The headaches, as far as I was concerned was stress from the situation,” he said. His family however, knew something was very different the moment he arrived home. Now his short term memory is poor and he takes dozens of medications for depression and anxiety. Sergeant Birzer’s situation speaks the same for thousands of non-military types who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Thankfully, Birzer was finally diagnosed and now receives full time counseling and therapy to help with his life as a husband and father.
