Can brain injuries alter a person’s behavior?

One of the body’s most vulnerable parts is the head and, consequently the brain. When a person is impacted by the force normally involved in a car accident, it is common for them to suffer a traumatic brain injury, the intensity of which can range from moderate to severe.

In conjunction with their immediate effects, which usually require medical attention and monitoring practically from the moment they occur, this type of injury can also manifest side effects, either immediately after the incident or weeks and even months after it occurs.

An example is how a concussion can affect how the affected person perceives, processes, and stores information. This change in information processing is one of the leading causes of emotional disturbances in brain injury victims, who will have to deal with the physical and economic impact of their injuries and how they affect their lives, quality of life, and daily activities.

Generally speaking, victims of traumatic brain injuries may experience drastic mood swings and symptoms of depression, irritability, a tendency to withdraw, and high anxiety levels. The severity of these problems will depend not only on the brain area affected by the injury but also on the severity of the injury. When a loved one sees their behavior affected by such an incident, it is important to remember that each person has unique symptoms, so it is best to focus on how to help them access treatment that will allow them to recover fully.

In some instances, the affected person may be able to see their ability to control or express their emotions regularly. It is also important to remember that some injury victims may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which can manifest in several ways, including:

• Feeling afraid to drive or leave home again
• Feel moderate anxiety or panic attacks
• Frequently experiencing disturbing memories and images of the accident
• Nightmares or sleep problems

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.