Americans have been hearing more about brain injuries after an Iranian missile attack on United States forces in Iraq. The missiles targeted an air base were U.S. and coalition troops were deployed. The U.S. Defense Department reports that 50 service members were found to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, after the attack last month. TBIs are not wounds like burns or cuts. They result from being near an explosion or a forceful strike to the body. TBIs appear to take a long time for doctors to diagnose. William Schmitz is a national commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He told The Associated Press, “TBI is a serious injury and one that cannot be taken lightly.” Schmitz added that TBI is known to cause depression, memory loss, severe headaches, and loss of balance. It can also make the person feel very tired. Sometimes there are long-term effects. U.S. President Donald Trump was recently criticized after he dismissed news of the injuries.

What does traumatic mean?
relating to a physical injury
following a missile attack
severe headache and memory loss
take a long time
What can traumatic brain injury cause?
improved outlook
increased anxiety
memory loss
burns or cuts
The injuries result from being near an explosion.
a commander
an explosion
President Trump
a missile attack