What Kind of Personality Changes Can I Expect After a Traumatic Brain Injury?

For many years, doctors have understood that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to significant personality and behavioral changes. These changes may completely alter a person – to the point where they seem like strangers to friends and family. Personality changes may occur suddenly after the injury or gradually – worsening as the years go by. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in Baltimore, you might be wondering about how these personality changes might unfold. What can you expect in the coming years?

Descriptions of Personality Changes from the National Institutes of Health 

Doctors have observed various personality changes among brain injury victims. Some of the most common issues include anxiety and depression, and these changes are closely associated with persistent post-concussion syndrome. Some of the more notable personality changes include “laziness” and “thoughtlessness.” The National Institute of Health also points out that many TBI patients lose their inhibitions and become very rude. You might describe this as “losing your filter.”

Extreme Reactions 

TBI victims also struggle to react calmly to various situations. Even when faced with relatively innocuous issues, you may find yourself screaming, laughing, or crying – and you might not understand why. Anger issues are very common among brain injury victims, and you may become prone to violence after even the slightest triggers.

Social Withdrawal 

Although violent, wild, or uninhibited behavior is relatively common, many TBI victims simply withdraw from society altogether. Because of this, many of their personality changes are difficult to observe – even for close family members. TBI victims may refuse counseling, examinations, and other forms of medical treatment. They may also seem distant, quiet, and “blank.”

Can You Recover Compensation for Personality Changes After a TBI? 

It is possible to recover compensation for psychological or emotional issues after a TBI in Maryland. These issues are collectively called “non-economic damages,” and they may include depression, anxiety, and many other problems. Often, these issues are lumped into a single category called “emotional distress.” In other cases, patients pursue damages for more specific issues.

One example is “loss of consortium.” This damage specifically refers to the loss of a relationship caused by your injury. For example, you and your spouse may decide to get a divorce because of the personality changes you have experienced. Your spouse may feel that you’re “just not the same person” they initially married – and you may receive compensation for the breakdown of your marriage.

Find a Qualified, Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Baltimore 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer in Baltimore, look no further than Furman Honick Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous TBI patients throughout Maryland access effective treatment. You may be eligible for compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury. This compensation can cover your missed wages, medical expenses, and any psychological issues you experience in the coming years. Call today and speak with a partner for a free case evaluation.

Sources: 

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18289429/#:~:text=Patients%20may%20be%20described%20as,concussion%20syndrome%20after%20milder%20injury.

msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/understanding-behavior-changes-after-tbi