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Personality change after brain injuries

Virginia residents might be concerned to hear that sometimes one of the tolls of undergoing a traumatic brain injury is a change in personality. The changes might not be instantly recognizable to someone on the outside, but friends, family members and the individuals themselves might notice subtle differences in their personalities after they suffer from such injuries. More and more people are having to deal with this dilemma, especially wounded soldiers.

Typical side effects of suffering from a traumatic brain injury are impaired memory, dizziness, headaches and problems with balance. However, when people undergo physical trauma inside their heads, other areas of the brain can be affected that control their personalities. Since the inner workings of the brain are so intricate, it is difficult to diagnose how or why an individual’s personality is affected by a brain injury, but the fact that it does occur is indisputable.

A documentary on HBO clearly showcased how people’s personalities can be different after TBIs. It showed the case of an ex-snowboarder who was critically injured in a snowboarding accident. Promotional materials for the documentary stated that man was a different person following his accident. The document showed how the man’s temperament was different after his injury. Medical experts say that the reason for different temperaments is the frontal lobes becoming affected. The frontal lobes are where the brain filters information, from organizing it to filtering impulsive behavior. Therefore, it is as though people are operating without their filters on.

People who suffer from personality changes after their TBIs might be able to seek compensation for their conditions. Personal injury lawyers might be able to help them file lawsuits in connection with their accidents and assist with the negotiation of fair settlements.

Source: NBC News, “‘A different person’: Personality change often brain injury’s hidden toll”, Bill Briggs, September 28, 2013


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