Gulf War Syndrome is the popular term given to a variety of ailments experienced by veterans of the Persian
Gulf War and their children. Symptons run the gamut and include, but are not limited to, the following:
Nausea
Cramps
Rashes
Short Term Memory Loss
Chronic Fatigue
Respitory/Breathing Difficulties
Headaches
Joint and Muscle Pain
Sleep Disturbances
Menstrual Disorders
Birth Defects
Causes responsible for Gulf War Syndrome have not clearly been identified. Some of the more popular ones that have been hypothesized include:
Parasites
Biological Warfare
Depleted Uranium radiation
Chemical Warfare
Prophlyactic Vaccines and medications given to troops against biological and chemical warfare agents.
Fumes from oil well fires
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
It's estimated that over 1 miillion U.S. citizens took part in the Gulf War. Official numbers supplied by the Pentagon list about 697,000, but that number does not include non-military participants.Between six and seven percent, or roughly 45,000 veterans have reported an ailment they believe is linked to their service in the Gulf.
The syndrome has sparked debate from a diverse group that question it's existence such as veterans groups, Senate investigators and the military. Topics of the debate have included accountability, treatment, and compensation for those afflicted with the syndrome.