There is a new medical breakthrough that helps troops suffering from brain injuries and stroke patients.

A walk through a butterfly pavillion with his family is a world away from where Tim Shull was just a few years ago. Although he looks healthy, it's what you can't see that almost took Tim away from his family.

U.S. Marine, Tim Shull, says, "We happened to go across the road. They had two bombs buried underneath the road."

Celyne, Shull's wife, says, "He said there was an accident and I just freaked out, starting screaming. I pretty much take care of him now.

Celyne's husband is one of 1,800 U.S. troops who came home from Iraq with a traumatic brain injury. Jackson Streeter, a former Navy fighter pilot is a top gun, turned surgeon. He's trying to help fellow veterans like Tim. He created an infrared laser to help save injured brain cells.

Streeter says, "We're trying to protect the neurons that are at risk that are going to die, but are potentially salvageable."

A hand-held probe delivers an infrared energy signal into the brain. It stimulates mitochondria, which provide energy to each living cell.

The treatment lasts about forty minutes and gives victims of brain injury and strokes another option. Right now, the only approved drug to help stroke victims must be delivered within three hours of the onset. Studies show this treatment has impacted patients after 24 hours of the start of a stroke.

This treatment may have prevented Tim's short-term memory loss and slurred speech and even though he's still recovering, he's grateful to be alive and have times like these with his family.

Infrared laser treatment is currently in clinical trials. It's also being studied for the treatment of nerve and spinal cord injuries. Doctor Streeter hopes to get FDA approval by the end of the year.