Brain injuries result in a number of consequences for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Symptoms can be proportional to the injury’s severity, but sometimes, they can take you by surprise. You may not expect that one of the signs of a brain injury is personality changes.
If a loved one has sustained one of these injuries and you’ve noticed changes in their personality, there are a few reasons for this. Learn more about the effects that head trauma can have on the entire system.
Understanding Brain Injuries
There are two main types of brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are generally caused by an external force, like a car accident or a slip and fall. They can affect one area of the brain or be diffuse, meaning they affect multiple areas as a result of nerve tearing or stretching.
Acquired brain injuries, on the other hand, are typically not the result of external trauma. They can occur because of strokes, infections, brain tumors, or a lack of oxygen.
The signs and symptoms of brain injuries can vary depending on the type of harm you or a loved one sustained—the most common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Slowed thinking
- Trouble multitasking
- Balance problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trouble with coordination
- Speech problems
What most people don’t realize, however, is that a brain injury can cause significant personality changes.
How Brain Injuries Can Lead to Personality Changes
Any damage to the brain causes chemical imbalances. Communication pathways can suffer, leading to a breakdown of connections between different brain networks. This could make it more difficult to regulate emotions and manage stress, leading to increased irritability and aggression.
Injuries to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for judgment and impulse control, can result in emotional outbursts and even socially inappropriate behavior in someone who has never had these problems before.
Brain networks that are not functioning at their best due to an injury can be easily overwhelmed by sounds, lights, and conversations. This can trigger anger and irritability.
Additionally, your loved one may take medications to address the brain injury, and these medications could affect their personality. Their energy levels and mood could be altered enough to make them seem like a different person.
Changes to Watch for After a Brain Injury
The most common behavioral shifts that you might notice in someone who has suffered a brain injury include anger and irritability. The person might lose their patience more rapidly or have intense outbursts over minor issues.
You may also notice fast shifts in mood. Your loved one might be laughing hysterically one moment and crying uncontrollably the next.
Apathy is a potential issue, too. They may show a lack of motivation or a loss of interest in what they once enjoyed.
Finally, there is also impulsivity to watch for. The person may speak or act without worrying about the social norms. They may not take the time to think through their actions, either.
Contact the Fort Mitchell Brain Injury Lawyers at Hendy Johnson Vaughn to Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Some personality changes will be temporary, but certain brain injuries can cause such significant damage to the brain that your loved one may permanently struggle. They may lose their enjoyment of life and could struggle to maintain relationships and work.
If the brain injury occurred because of another party’s misconduct, pursuing a personal injury claim could be the way to receive compensation. An attorney can assist you and your family with a claim so that you don’t have that added stress during this difficult time.
For more information, contact the experienced Fort Mitchell brain injury lawyers at Hendy Johnson Vaughn to schedule a free consultation about your legal rights and options for compensation.
We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(859) 578-4444
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444