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Daytona Beach Lawyers > Blog > Personal Injury > Traumatic Brain Injuries and Personality Changes

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Personality Changes

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A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause numerous neurological changes, such as impaired speech, memory, cognition, and movement. Personality changes, however, receive less attention, but they are no less severe. After a loved one suffers a blow to the head, you might begin to notice changes in how he or she thinks or feels, as well as how they act out. Many family members need support to help them care for a loved one with a TBI.

Behavioral Outbursts

Someone who has suffered a TBI might become emotionally aggressive and prone to outbursts—quick bursts of anger that sometimes appear to have no trigger. Actually, outbursts are not uncommon, especially if a person injured their frontal and temporal lobes.

Many TBI victims are angry at how their lives have changed for the worst. For example, they might get angry when they forget simple tasks or because they are physically impaired. Family members and caregivers often need to “ride out” the outburst, but they can also try to minimize the triggers and promote self-control. Behavioral therapy might be all you need to teach your loved one how to manage their emotional outbursts.

Depression & Anxiety

TBI victims are at an increased risk of developing depression and/or anxiety issues. Both stem from changes to the brain as well as how a person feels about their disabilities. For example, if your loved one’s speech has been compromised, then it is easy to become depressed from the inability to communicate with people.

If you notice a TBI victim is suffering from depression or anxiety, speak to your doctor. Medications exist that can help with symptoms, but patients and family members need to move ahead cautiously. These drugs can be very powerful, and you want to carefully monitor for side effects.

Personality Disorders

Some studies have found that suffering a TBI increases a person’s chances of developing personality issues like schizophrenia. However, scientists are careful to clarify that no link exists that shows a TBI “causes” schizophrenia. Instead, people who are more prone to develop the disorder might have the process hurried along by a TBI. The risk did not increase with the severity of the TBI but was the same for those who suffered a mild concussion or a devastating TBI.

Unfortunately, those who suffer a TBI generally lack poor insight and probably are unaware of how their personality has changed. It is therefore vital for family members to keep a close eye on their loved ones. If they notice any lasting changes to personality, they should contact a doctor.

Experienced Brain Injury Lawyers in Daytona Beach

Mood and psychiatric changes are challenging, but help is available. At Bundza & Rodriguez in Daytona Beach, we work with clients to obtain compensation for their brain injuries, including the cost of medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress. We put our clients’ best interests first and do not rest until we have done everything possible to get full compensation.

Contact us today. You can call 386-252-5170 to schedule your free consultation.

Resource:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/professor-cromer-learns-read/201203/after-brain-injury-the-dark-side-personality-change-part-i

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