Can Mood Swings Be a Sign of a TBI?

Traumatic brain injuries can occur due to a variety of different accidents, and can result in mood swings and other emotional issues.

Anytime you are involved in an accident in which you suffer a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, you run the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As one of the most common types of personal injuries, even a seemingly minor blow can disrupt neural pathways in the brain enough to cause dramatic changes in your mood, your emotions, and even your overall personality. If you have recently been in an accident or suffered injuries as the result of another person’s negligent actions, it is important to be aware of the signs of TBI.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, traumatic brain injuries are common, though the symptoms are not always immediately apparent. Common situations in which TBI can occur include:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents;
• Crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists;
• Slips, trips, and falls;
• Getting struck by or against an object;
• Sports or recreational accidents;
• On-the-job accidents;
• Cases involving medical malpractice.

Signs that you may have suffered a TBI as the result of an accident include dizziness, nausea, lapses in memory, distorted vision, and a loss of consciousness. TBI can have wide ranging impacts on your physical and emotional health, and the full impact of your injury may not appear until weeks or even months after your actual accident. Anytime you suffer a bump or blow to the head, you need to seek medical care immediately and follow all of your doctor’s instructions.

Mood Swings as the Result of TBI

In addition to causing visual impairments, a loss of balance or motor skills, and difficulty communicating or comprehending what is being said, TBI can impact your mood and your personality. According to Brainline, having problems controlling your emotions and being subject to mood swings can occur due to damage in a specific part of the brain. Symptoms patients may experience include:

• Sudden, angry outbursts with no specific triggers;
• Overwhelming feelings of irritability and anxiety attacks;
• Feeling of depression and the desire to isolate;
• Sudden outburst of laughter or tears.

Brainline reports TBI sufferers may feel as if they are on a roller coaster, and may not attribute their feelings to the injury they suffered. It is important to report any symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor, who can recommend treatment options. While medications and therapy may be of use, it is often simply of waiting out the recovery process. Unfortunately, getting over a brain injury can take months or even years.

Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys Assist You

If you or someone you care about has suffered a traumatic brain injury, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Call or contact the Lovett Law Firm online today and request an initial consultation in one of our Texas or New Mexico offices.