Emotions Can Impact the Recovery Process Following a TBI

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April 24, 2019
Edward Smith

Emotions Can Impact the Recovery Process Following a TBI

Individuals’ injuries in a traumatic accident can range from mild to life-threatening; however, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is always a significant problem. When people recover from a TBI, their emotional state can influence recovery. Therefore, everyone needs to understand a few essential points about head and brain injuries. According to statistics that have been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • In 2013, those over 75 were the most likely to spend at least one night in the hospital following a traumatic brain injury.
  • The most likely age group to visit the emergency department for a traumatic brain injury were children between 0 and 4.
  • The most common cause of a TBI in individuals between the ages of 0 and 4 and over 45 were slip and fall injuries.
  • The most common TBI for adolescents and young adults hospitalized was auto accidents.

There are numerous causes when it comes to traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, the recovery process following such a severe injury is rarely straightforward. Therefore, families need to be prepared for what comes following such a severe accident.

Common Complications that Arise Following a TBI

There are several common complications of a TBI which people should be aware of. Sometimes, these complications can be just as severe as the injury. Some of the most common complications include:

  • Issues with hearing and vision after the injury.
  • A difficulty with forming new memories or remembering old ones.
  • A possible loss of consciousness.
  • Problems dealing with chronic pain.
  • Issues with weakness in certain parts of the body.
  • Emotional difficulties and mental health concerns.

The emotional issues following a traumatic brain injury are often overlooked; however, these are no less devastating than motor and sensory difficulties.

Emotional State and the Traumatic Brain Injury

A series of case studies were published in the Journal of Brain Injury, which examined how an individual’s emotioindividual’sn impact recovery after a traumatic brain injury. In each case, the individual suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. This was identified based on history and physical examination, followed by imaging correlation. In each of the cases, the mechanism was unique. Some of the mechanisms included auto accidents and fall injuries. The researchers found that the individual’s emotion before the accident tremendously influenced their recovery process. Some of the personality traits that led to a prolonged recovery included:

  • Dependency on others for help with activities of daily living.
  • Grandiosity, such as feelings or an appearance of arrogance or over-importance.
  • Borderline personality traits such as seeing everything in black or white.
  • Symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.

Furthermore, following a severe accident with a TBI, it is not unusual for an individual without any of these issues to develop some personality problems. The research is close by discussing several different therapeutic approaches for dealing with these problems. They include:

  • Identifying emotional problems early.
  • Seeking help from a mental health professional as quickly as possible.
  • Having patience as a loved one recovers from a severe injury.

Watch YouTube Video: The Emotional Impact of Memory Problems After Brain Injury. The educational video below explains the emotional impact of memory loss following a traumatic brain injury.

Contacting a Bay Area Head and Brain Injury Attorney

Having a loved one suffer a serious brain injury is a challenging situation. Families may not fully understand what happened during the accident. Furthermore, handling the medical side of the recovery and the logistical problems that often arise can be overwhelming. Therefore, families should ask for help following a traumatic accident. A brain injury attorney in the Bay Area can be a tremendous resource for needy families. Some of the ways an experienced San Francisco brain injury lawyer can help include the following:

  • Collecting information on the accident and reviewing the records to ensure all the details have been examined.
  • Working with financial institutions to get benefits paid out in a timely fashion.
  • Pursuing damages related to the accident, any negligence, all injuries, and their complications.
  • Transitioning a case to trial when necessary.

Families need to know that they are not alone after a severe accident. An experienced Bay Area Brain Injury Attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Please call today. Your family could be owed a substantial financial settlement.

San Francisco Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Bay ArI’mBrain Injury Attorney. Someone’s past medical history can impact recovery following a traumatic brain injury. Anyone with emotional difficulties following a traumatic brain injury should contact me at (415) 805-7284 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free advice.
I’m a Million Dollar Advocate Forum member and the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

You can learn more about my practice by reviewing some of our cases and client reviews on the following links:

Attribution of Image: Pixabay

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