Brain injuries can cause many physical effects; however, they can also cause emotional and behavior changes. While it is often easy to understand the physical effects of the brain injury, understanding the behavioral and emotional changes can be much more difficult.
What are some of the emotional and behavioral changes that might occur?
A person with a brain injury might suffer from anxiety, depression, poor judgment, and inflexibility. They might have mood swings that can negatively affect them and those around them. Negativity, intolerance, and lack of motivation might occur. The person might engage in risky behavior and impulsive behavior.
Are there any options to help deal with these changes?
There are several options to consider if you need help dealing with the behavioral and emotional changes. Behavioral therapists, neuropsychologists, friends, and family members might be able to help. The person with the brain injury might be able to ask family members and friends to help them learn their triggers.
How can people around the person react to these changes?
If the person begins to have an outburst, it is often best to allow the person to have some alone time. Walking away might seem to be something counterproductive, but that is often the best thing that can be done.
Some of the treatments for a brain injury are costly. If you have suffered from a brain injury, you might choose to seek compensation to help you get the help you need. Learning about the Ontario laws governing this type of claim can help you to decide what you are going to do.
Source: Brainline.org, “Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms,” accessed Jan. 07, 2016
