Common Changes after Brain Injury

Brain injury is independent to the person.

Families may be acutely aware of changes in their loved one after brain injury. Symptoms vary, depending on many factors including the type of injury, severity, neurology, and individual differences. Changes may become more evident over time. Often, however, changes and challenges - that impact every aspect of everyday functioning - may remain invisible to the world. Some changes may also be invisible to a loved one with a brain injury, especially if the injury impacts the frontal and pre-frontal areas of the brain.

Most Common Changes

PERSONALITY. Often people seem vastly different after brain injury. Someone that was once careful and methodical may become impulsive and uninhibited. Another person that was very analytical is now driven by emotion. Families may witness numerous changes after an injury. Some changes may persist while others fade away with time.

BEHAVIOR. Changes in behavior may also be noticed, such as aggression, verbal outbursts (more yelling, cussing, etc.) and social isolation. Some find it difficult to engage in activities they used to enjoy.

EMOTION. Changes in emotion are common as well and may include increased agitation, irritability, mood swings, increased anxiety or feelings of sadness. Other changes include a lower level of tolerance for frustration and feeling easily overwhelmed.

COGNITION. Changes in cognition may include memory, concentration, planning and problem solving. Injuries that impact the frontal lobes may lead to challenges in initiation, planning, organizing and completing tasks.

LANGUAGE. Some experience changes in language and increased difficulty communicating with others. Survivors may have difficulty expressing themselves as well as difficulty understanding what others are saying.

MORE BIG CHANGES. Some may become easily fatigued. Others may have new challenges with eating, breathing, loss of motor function or chronic pain. It is also common for survivors to hear voices.

Reference: The Traumatized Brain: A Family guide to Understanding Mood, Memory and Behavior after Brain Injury, by Vani Rao, MBBS, MD and Sandeep Vaishnavi, MD., PHD

Emily Watson, LMFT
Emily Watson Counseling