The Emotional Problems Linked to Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) has many physical consequences, such as torn tissues, bruising, bleeding, and loss of coordination. However, there are emotional problems that can also arise as a result of a TBI. While it’s critical to understand the physical consequences of a TBI to receive proper treatments during recovery, it’s also essential to recognize the emotional impact of a TBI on a person’s life. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Emotional Problems in TBI Patients?
Every TBI patient will experience emotional problems differently, and depending on the severity of the brain injury, some may not experience any changes. However, the cause of emotional changes in TBI patients is most likely due to damage to the brain’s limbic system, a group of interconnected structures located deep within the brain. Here are some of the most common emotional problems TBI patients may experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Angry outbursts/short tempers
- Irritability
- Extreme mood swings (also known as emotional lability)
- Lack of emotions (also known as the flat effect)
How To Improve Emotional Problems in TBI Patients
Coping with emotional difficulties after sustaining a TBI may be difficult. However, there are treatments and therapies available such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients learn what triggers their emotional issues and how to cope with them.
- Nuedexta, which is a prescription drug commonly used to treat extreme mood swings. It’s the only drug that is FDA-approved to treat emotional lability.
- Antidepressants, which may be prescribed for TBI patients to regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain to improve and stabilize mood.
If you’ve suffered from a TBI and are experiencing emotional problems, it’s critical to speak to your doctor about specific treatment options that are best for you.
Sustained a TBI in a Car Crash? We Can Help.
When a car accident causes victims to sustain catastrophic injuries such as TBI, it can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. Not only must you worry about recovering from your injuries, but the stresses of medical bills for treatments and therapies also add more burdens to a difficult time.
When it comes to car accident claims, know that you have options to help ease your worries. Let us deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to fight for you so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today at (800) 391-4318 to learn more about filing a car accident claim.