Scientists revealed which profession is most dangerous for the brain

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered an alarming trend: UK law enforcement officers suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) more than twice as often as ordinary citizens. Even more concerning is the fact that officers injured in the line of duty are at twice the risk of developing severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results of this large-scale study have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).

During the study, scientists surveyed 617 active police officers from different regions of the United Kingdom - England, Scotland, and Wales. The statistics were shocking: 38% of the surveyed officers had experienced at least one TBI, accompanied by loss of consciousness, confusion, or memory lapses. For comparison, among the civilian population, this figure is only 12%.

A particularly alarming signal was the fact that 61% of affected police officers had experienced such injuries multiple times. Among those who received TBI while on duty, one in five shows signs of likely development of a complex form of PTSD, which manifests itself in feelings of guilt, emotional instability, and destruction of social connections.

Professor Stan Gilmour, who worked in the police for 30 years and is now conducting scientific research at the University of Exeter, sounds the alarm: "The daily work of police officers already takes place in conditions of constant stress, conflict, and danger. When the risk of head injuries and PTSD is added to this, we get a real time bomb. It is necessary to implement a system of regular monitoring and long-term support for officers who have experienced such injuries."

Scientists have also found that multiple TBIs lead to serious disruptions in the daily lives of police officers: work efficiency decreases, problems arise in family relationships, and difficulties with fulfilling parental responsibilities. Officers complain of constant headaches, sleep disturbances, and decreased concentration.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Nick Smith, notes: "Many officers today are forced to simultaneously fight two serious consequences - brain injury and PTSD. They need clear protocols, similar to those used in sports medicine for concussions, including accurate diagnosis and gradual return to official duties."

Researchers insist on introducing mandatory screening for TBI and PTSD as part of regular medical examinations, as well as creating an emergency assistance system. In their opinion, diagnosis and support should be inextricably linked: "If an officer fails a test on Monday, by Tuesday he should be receiving the necessary help."