Vehicle accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries. While a mild TBI may only affect a person’s brain temporarily, more serious injuries may result in serious complications or even death.
One of the complications that can arise from TBIs includes severe changes in mood or personality. This can be short-lived or in more serious cases, it can become permanent.
Types of behavioral changes that can present themselves
According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, TBIs can affect a person’s behavior in different ways. Someone who may normally act reserved, for example, can suddenly display risky behavior tendencies. Additionally, the website notes the following behavioral changes:
- The inability to control one’s own actions
- Difficulty in social groups or situations
- The inability to control one’s emotions, leading to impulsive outbursts
In addition to behavioral changes, mood swings are often present in patients with TBIs. This includes an increase in anxiety, depression, anger or even insomnia.
There is no concrete timeline for the onset of symptoms
It is important for family members to keep an eye on their loved ones following a TBI to identify any changes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, symptoms may not present themselves until days or months after the injury. It may be hard for some people to admit, or even recognize, that these changes are occurring. Keeping detailed notes of changes in a loved one’s behavior may be helpful when communicating to the doctor or the patient themselves.
It is important to always obey the rules of the road to avoid any car accidents and subsequent injuries.
