89. Blast Overpressure Brain Injury in Mortar Soldiers and the Effect on Mental Health (with Todd Strader)
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In this episode…
You are NOT your brain injury! Brain injuries can be considered a hidden injury, but what happens when someone doesn’t even realize they have one? It would be so overwhelming to have so many symptoms and not know where they are coming from. This is often the case for members of the military that are exposed to occupational low-level blast overpressure from firing heavy weapons like mortars and artillery, which has now been shown to cause brain trauma, but has not yet been widely understood.
In this episode, Cristabelle interviews Todd Strader about his personal journey as a veteran and advocate for awareness of brain injuries caused by low-level blast overpressure. Many veterans face challenges in obtaining recognition and treatment for these injuries, and Todd shares about his support community called “Overpressured” which has helped many find support. We also discuss the importance of understanding the connection between TBI and mental health issues, including PTSD and suicide, and how recognizing the brain injury brings hope. Todd shares his personal experiences with symptoms, and how it is important to be real with the struggles we face.
Meet Our Guest
"I am Todd Strader, along with inventing and developing the Pelta-6®, a problem solution personal protective device created specifically to address the mitigation of these repetitive low-level blasts. I am the Principal Investigator and Disabled-Veteran small business owner of OverPressured LLC & C3Mortarmen. My entire military experience was related to repetitive low-level blast overpressure exposure as it was a readiness requirement of my occupational specialty and I have personally suffered for it. I have spent years learning the science behind it and raising awareness of the health consequences of these occupational blasts to the military and veteran communities. Beginning on Social-Media in 2019 with an on-line community of nearly three thousand, I have collaborated on Advisory Committees such as the University of Pittsburgh’s – Military BRAIN Health Study CAB. I have advised Members of the Congressional - For Country Caucus and have been featured in the NY Times expose series by Dave Philipps. Sharing awareness at every opportunity, even on the Gun Line with the troops at the Army Mortar School and 1st Special Forces Group. I am a self-taught and sought-after subject matter expert."
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
