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Can a brain injury cause inappropriate behaviors? As a trusted neuro rehab center in Miami, iAM ABLE hopes to provide you with answers and tips you can use.
As a reliable neuro rehab center in Miami, our iAM ABLE team has heard countless people asking, “can a traumatic brain injury cause behavioral problems?” Can it lead to aggression, lack of emotion, or irritation? What can you do to manage the changes?
Whether you’re a patient or a loved one of someone who previously had a traumatic brain injury, our discussion below hopes to explain how you can cope and take control of the situation.
The psychological impacts of brain injuries can significantly vary, depending on the specific part of the brain that got damaged. For example, if the damage occurs in the frontal lobe, you might notice difficulty practicing self-restraint and controlling aggression.
It could also cause a patient to make inappropriate and often unnecessary comments to families, friends, or strangers. In some rare cases, damage to the brain’s frontal region can also lead to muted emotions or apathy.
Studies over the years also associate TBI with other behavioral issues, including:
A 2018 study notes that impulsivity is one of the leading behavioral concerns of patients with mTBI or mild traumatic brain injury. It could lead to reactions like splurging on items or setting unrealistic goals for specific tasks.
Making sound decisions is a complex function of the brain. Sadly, when you have a traumatic injury, you are also at risk of making poor judgments. This might stem from having difficulties in remembering information, processing details, and making unreasonable conclusions.
Intolerance or impatience can lead to verbal outbursts and even physical altercations. As a carer for the patient, you will need to be extra patient and empathic. It can be an extremely challenging time for a TBI survivor, so it would help to show more emotional support.
It’s not easy to cope with the effects of a traumatic brain injury. That’s why it’s not surprising that many patients note anxiety or anxiety disorders as one of the behavioral concerns that they need to deal with. If you spot signs such as increased heartbeat, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, panic attacks, and dizziness, then you may be suffering from anxiety.
Depression affects about 29.4 percent of patients with traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, the symptoms drag on for an entire year, making it extremely difficult to manage the lingering symptoms after the injury heals. Some of these symptoms include sensory sensitivity, migraines, and dizziness.
It’s pretty common for patients with a history of brain injury to express loss or increased interest in sex. That’s why it’s crucial to show constant support and affection to the affected individual. Avoid pressuring your spouse or partner as much as possible. Also, try to set limitations to help manage each other’s expectations.
More often than not, these behavioral problems present challenges to both the carer and patient. In addition, it leads to increased difficulty in achieving recovery and reintegrating into society.
If you have a hard time coping with these, we suggest consulting with a behavioral therapist or a neuropsychologist. They can teach you strategies like breathing exercises or redirecting negative thoughts.
A total reversal of the changes in one’s behavior after a traumatic brain injury is quite unlikely. That’s why healthcare professionals helping TBI patients strongly discourage making comparisons of a TBI patient’s old and current demeanor. This would only lead to frustration and strain the relationship between family members or carers and the patient.
Instead, patients can tap into interventions from a behavioral therapist or a neuro rehab center in Miami. Essentially, therapists can help retrace triggers of a specific response such as anxiety or intolerance and help TBI survivors identify the best ways to cope.
On the one hand, a neurological rehabilitation program involves combining therapies, education, and medications to help a patient recover from the impacts of a TBI. The process could require several healthcare professionals to help out, like doctors, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and behavioral specialists, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Surviving a traumatic brain injury is no simple feat, especially if it resulted in incomplete paralysis. But, thankfully, you have managed to start your first few steps to overcoming it. That achievement in itself is worth celebrating and appreciating.
However, the journey is far from over, as paralysis after a TBI often requires massive hard work and patience. You will need to learn how to transition into a new chapter of your life.
Also, as your journey continues, you will most likely meet more challenges besides dealing with inappropriate behaviors. For example, you may need the help of your neuro rehab center in Miami to restore the lost function of particular body parts and regain mobility.
Additionally, you will need to have an overview of what to expect in your new reality and how you can cope better. With that in mind, we created a comprehensive resource for paralysis survivors. It’s a free resource that talks about the seven fundamental steps a paralysis survivor needs to take.
It tackles various topics like patient care tips for paralyzed patients and the key things to consider when choosing a piece of mobility equipment.
Get your copy of the iAM ABLE guidebook on thriving after a paralysis today. We hope you find it helpful in making your life meaningful and happy after a traumatic brain injury.
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
