Emotional & Personality Changes After Traumatic Brain Injury: What You Need to Know
Strategies for managing treatment, caregiver resources, and personal injury claims
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A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more than a physical ailment; it is a life-altering event that can catastrophically alter a person’s abilities and their very sense of self. While the physical recovery from a head injury is often the primary focus, the emotional and personality shifts that follow can be even more devastating for patients and their families.
At Cohen, Placitella & Roth, we have seen firsthand how these “invisible” injuries can impact the family unit. Understanding the root cause of these changes and knowing your legal rights is the first step toward reclaiming your future.
Key Takeaways
- The Brain as the Command Center: Because the brain manages all thoughts, sensations, and emotions, an injury to this vital organ can change how an individual expresses themself.
- “Invisible” Symptoms: Personality changes, such as irritability, loss of inhibition, or impulsive behavior, are common and often result from damage to specific brain regions.
- The Burden of Care: These changes can hit household finances hard, especially when the victim can no longer work due to cognitive or emotional impairments.
- Legal Support is Vital: A personal injury lawsuit can help recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including emotional suffering and the cost of long-term psychological care.
Understanding the “New Normal”: Common Behavioral Changes
Damage to the brain can profoundly change how individuals think, feel, and act. These shifts are not a choice or a sign of “giving up,” but a direct clinical result of the trauma. The most common changes include, but are not limited to:
Impulsivity and Loss of Filter — Patients may struggle to control their impulses, leading to risky behaviors or socially inappropriate remarks.
Emotional Instability — Sudden, unexplained mood swings or intense emotional reactions to minor stressors may be frequent.
Apathy or “Laziness” — What may appear as a lack of motivation is often an impairment of the brain’s executive function, making it difficult to initiate and complete tasks efficiently.
Egocentricity — Cognitive impairments can make a survivor seem self-centered, as they may be temporarily unable to process the needs or points of view of others.
Symptom Management Checklist for Families
Coping with these changes is one of the most difficult challenges for loved ones. While there is no “quick fix,” structured strategies like the following can help manage daily life:
- Establish Consistency: Predictable routines help reduce the anxiety and confusion that often trigger emotional outbursts.
- Prioritize Clear Communication: Speak slowly and clearly. Ensure you have the survivor’s attention before starting a task to reduce frustration.
- Use Redirection: If a loved one becomes “stuck” on a topic or emotion, gently shifting the focus to a different task or conversation can help de-escalate the situation.
- Focus on Small Victories: Remember that recovery is a gradual process that can take months or years; celebrating minor milestones is essential for maintaining morale.
Source: University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living
Service and Support Options
Recovery and long-term management of TBI-related personality and emotional changes require an interdisciplinary approach, and there is a wide array of services and support organizations available to assist you. They include:
Neuropsychological Testing: Specialized evaluations can pinpoint which areas of the brain were affected, helping to form a tailored rehabilitation plan.
Psychological Counseling: Both for the survivor and for family members to cope with the emotional toll and the “grief” of the personality shift.
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: These services focus on restoring the ability to communicate and function in daily life.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of TBI can provide both emotional relief and practical advice.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Explore our 50-State Guide to find support resources near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, you can seek non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of life’s pleasures. If the personality changes have led to a breakdown in marital relations, you may also be eligible for loss of consortium damages.
Statutes of limitations vary by state. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you generally have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, the “discovery rule” may apply if the full extent of the brain injury was not immediately obvious.
Due to the complexity of proving cognitive and behavioral impairments, a TBI lawsuit typically take anywhere from 2–4 years to resolve through a settlement or trial.
Exceptions can apply for minor children, but that depends entirely on each state’s laws and statute of limitations. For example, in Pennsylvania, an injured child usually has until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit. In New Jersey, the rules vary depending on the child’s birth date, sometimes extending to their 13th or 20th birthday. Reach out to us to discuss your particular situation and potential case.
Need help investigating your legal rights related to a TBI?
Speak to an experienced brain injury attorney team like Cohen, Placitella & Roth.
For five decades, CPR has successfully represented individuals and families in TBI cases nationwide working with qualified co-counsel.
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