A traumatic brain injury (TBI) could be a result of an impact blow, jolt, or bump to the head or serious head injury that interferes with brain’s normal functions. However, not all jolts or blows to the head will cause TBI. A TBI can be mild to severe, with mild TBI characterized as a fleeting change in consciousness or mental state, and severe TBI characterized as a prolonged period of amnesia or unconsciousness following the injury. A traumatic brain injury can likewise cause many different psychological disturbances that range from minor disturbances to severe emotional and intellectual impairments such as psychosis, mood disorders, behavioral issues, anxiety disorder, and depression.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Impacts Your Mood:

Depending on the severity of your injury, it could change how you express and/or feel emotions. In some cases, affected individuals might feel their emotions intensely and very swiftly, or feel like riding a rollercoaster of emotions. This is known as emotional liability. The main problem with this, is that their emotional responses are usually unprovoked and come very suddenly, which could be extremely confusing for other people who might be thinking that they did or said something to offend or distraught the affected individual. Understandably, the side effects of TBI can make it very difficult to work. If your injury was at the fault of others, you might want to consult with a firm like Jim Glaser Law (Or a similar firm in your local area) to help ease that burden.

Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy from Traumatic Brain Injury:

Studies have shown that a previous history of psychiatric disorders and poor level of functioning prior to a TBI are significant depression risk factors. It is, however, crucial to note that depression following a TBI isn’t the same as daily, standard depression because the change in mood is due to an actual natural alteration in the brain because of the TBI.

About 10% of those who have suffered a TBI develop apathy, and 60% of them develop both depression and apathy. Apathy is marked by a lack of motivation, disengagement, disinterest, and inertia. Additionally, people with TBI usually develop anxiety and feel irrational and persistent fearfulness, tension, and worry that, in some cases, are due to reduced processing speed and other cognitive deficits post-injury. When you enter a search for “neurology specialist near me“, the professional you choose should be someone you feel fully comfortable sharing these changes in mood with. With complete honesty, your doctor will be able to advise on the best course of treatment.

The Need for Comprehensive and Multifaceted Treatment:

Treating personality and mood changes following a TBI is a complex undertaking. It must include many different rehabilitative interventions and drug therapy. Preferably and, if applicable, acute and intense rehab must be started on the exact day of the injury itself, especially in cases where severe TBI is suspected. Rehabilitation should also be multifaceted. You need to undergo a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment so that the doctor can properly evaluate any emotional and cognitive changes. This assessment will pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses that will serve as a baseline following your TBI. We realize this is a lot, but it truly is the best way to go. And, if your injury was not a fault of your own, professionals like Floyd Hunter Personal Injury Attorneys (or a similar option in your local area) can really help when the bills start to come in.

Your team should be made up of capable experts who you feel comfortable sharing your problems with. Your doctor can make referrals to rehab facilities, specialized doctors like Dr Timothy Steel, or counselors to assist in your treatment. The multifaceted approach isn’t limited to treatment on the medical side but services that allow for an improved quality of life too. This includes transportation, help at the job site, or access to housing with programs like those offered by https://www.adeoco.org/ or something similar in your local area. Combining medical and personal wellness can mean optimum success.

Getting Help for Filing a Personal Injury Claim:

As you can see from above, treatment for a traumatic brain injury can be very costly. With that said, if another individual or entity has caused your TBI, try to document the injury’s effects and maintain all medical records pertaining to your injury. You should also seek help from a brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss your situation and determine if a lawsuit or a settlement is best.