When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or even multiple concussions, the outcome can be a noticeable change in his or her behavior and emotions. The reason this happens is that there is a part of the brain—the frontal lobe—that can negatively affect a person’s behavior when damaged.
There are many ways someone’s behavior can change after a brain injury. Here are some common behavioral changes that brain injury survivors and their families deal with:
- Anger and irritability. Many people with TBIs have uncontrollable bouts of anger. They can get fired up at the littlest things and become irritable for no reason at all. They may act aggressively and combatively.
- Mood swings. Having emotional swings is part of the behavioral changes that occur following a brain injury. Even someone who wasn’t moody or emotional before a brain injury can have obvious changes in mood and attitude.
- Anxiety and stress. It is only normal for brain injury survivors to experience stress and anxiety. For some people, anxiety and stress can occur when they are in a crowded place or when there is too much quiet. They may suffer from panic attacks, shortness of breath, and endless worry.
- Depression. Feeling sad about a brain injury is a normal feeling; however, there are many brain injury survivors who have a deeper sadness which causes a loss of enjoyment in life. Depression can cause someone to feel worthless and have thoughts of suicide.
- Impulsivity. Many people with brain injuries lack self-control and normal reasoning abilities. As a result, they fail to think things through and may act impulsively and inappropriately.
As you can see here, a change in behavior is a major impact of a serious brain injury that survivors and family members need to be aware of and talk about with professionals. Because a brain injury can change many aspects of a victim’s life and family dynamics, it is essential that victims and their families turn to a seasoned lawyer who has successfully handled brain injury lawsuits to help them win the compensation they will need to cope with the changes. Please call our office for a complimentary consultation at 703-721-4233 today.