The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can linger on even after you have recovered from the physical or obvious injuries. Studies have shown that brain injury victims are at an increased risk of developing mental disorders later in life – even months or years down the line.
The brain is a very complex organ, and any form of trauma can have lasting effects. This can happen in any form of accident, from a car accident to a slip-and-fall. Here is what you need to know about the mental disorders associated with such injuries.
It depends on the affected region of the brain
TBIs can be open or closed depending on the circumstances that led to the injury. Either form can be deadly, depending on the severity. Usually, a serious TBI may affect one or several regions of the brain, and the effects will depend on the functions related to the injured part.
For instance, trauma to the frontal lobe associated with controlling your emotions may lead to depression, while injury to the right hemisphere can lead to manic disorders. Some of the other mental issues related to TBIs include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
- Personality changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Mild to severe panic attacks, among others
All these can drastically lower the quality of your life, and if you are a victim, you need to protect your legal rights, especially if someone else caused your injuries.
Getting justice
Treatment can go a long way in making things better, but it can be pretty expensive. Given that some of these conditions are permanent, you may have to be on medication for a considerable time of your life. However, if you are adequately compensated for your inures and losses, that will make it easier for you and your family.