The man sitting across from you used to be your husband. He still looks the same, but his behavior has become erratic and impulsive since his car accident. He lashes out with uncharacteristic anger, struggles to follow conversations, and seems to have lost interest in your family. You feel like you're living with a stranger wearing a familiar face.
If your loved one has experienced a dramatic personality shift after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you're not alone. At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, our compassionate Nebraska TBI lawyers understand how these changes impact families. We're here to provide the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
How Brain Injuries Cause Personality Changes
A TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain, like a car accident, fall, or assault. The injury disrupts normal brain function, leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes that can be temporary or permanent. Even a mild brain injury can impact brain function.
While every brain injury is unique, many survivors experience significant personality changes due to damage to specific brain regions:
- Frontal lobe. Injuries can cause impulsivity, poor judgment, lack of empathy, and difficulty controlling emotions. Your previously even-tempered spouse may easily become angered or engage in risky behaviors.
- Temporal lobe. Damage to this area often leads to increased aggression, irritability, and mood swings. A typically laid-back parent might become easily frustrated and lash out at their children.
- Limbic system. Because this system regulates emotion, injury can result in depression, anxiety, and loss of motivation. Your once outgoing partner may withdraw from social activities and struggle to find joy in life.
These personality changes relate directly to the brain injury and are not a choice or character flaw. Your loved one likely has little control over their altered behavior and may not even realize how much they've changed.
Cognitive Changes Pose Further Challenges
In addition to personality shifts, TBI survivors often experience cognitive difficulties that further strain relationships:
- Memory loss. Forgotten commitments, misplaced items, and repeated questions try a caregiver's patience.
- Attention and concentration difficulties. Your loved one may drift off during conversations, struggle to complete tasks, or become easily overwhelmed in busy environments.
- Slowed processing speed. Decision-making and problem-solving become lengthy and frustrating for survivors and their families.
- Language and communication deficits. Your loved one may struggle to find the right words, follow complex discussions, or interpret nonverbal cues.
These cognitive changes can be incredibly isolating for TBI survivors, who may feel embarrassed, anxious, or depressed about their newfound limitations. Family members often find themselves taking on additional responsibilities while mourning the loss of the relationship they once had.
Strategies for Coping With Personality Changes After a TBI
Adjusting to your loved one's altered personality is a gradual, ongoing process. These strategies can help:
Educate Yourself About Brain Injuries
Learning about the physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects of TBIs can help you better understand your loved one's experiences. Attend doctor's appointments, read reputable sources, and connect with other TBI caregivers for firsthand insights. New treatment options may become available through technological developments.
Practice Patience and Compassion
Your loved one didn't choose these changes and likely feels frustrated and embarrassed by their behavior. Take a deep breath, walk away if needed, and remember that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Establish Structure and Routines
Consistency can be calming for TBI survivors who struggle with memory, attention, and emotional regulation. Create daily schedules, break tasks into manageable steps, and provide gentle reminders as needed.
Communicate Clearly and Simply
Use short sentences, allow extra processing time, and avoid sarcasm or figures of speech that may confuse your loved one. If tensions rise, table the discussion for a calmer moment.
Prioritize Self-Care and Respite
Caregiver burnout is real, especially when dealing with drastic personality changes. Make time for hobbies, social connections, and relaxation. Arrange respite care so you can recharge without guilt.
Seek Professional Support
Individual and family counseling can help you process complex emotions, improve communication, and develop healthy coping strategies. Look for therapists experienced in working with brain injury survivors and their families.
Recognize Signs of Domestic Abuse
In rare cases, TBI-related aggression can escalate to domestic violence. If your loved one's behavior becomes threatening or abusive, seek help immediately. Remember, you are not responsible for your loved one's actions and deserve to feel safe in your home. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support and resources.
Finding Justice and Support
If another party's negligence caused your loved one's brain injury, you may have grounds for a legal claim. A successful lawsuit can provide vital financial resources for medical care, rehabilitation, home modifications, and other essential support services. An experienced Nebraska TBI lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident. Gather evidence proving the other party's negligence and liability for your loved one's TBI.
- Gather evidence of the TBI's impact. Medical records, neuroimaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scans), neuropsychological evaluations, and other diagnostic tools objectively document the brain injury and its consequences.
- Consult with medical experts. Demonstrate the profound impact of the personality changes on your loved one and family.
- Document the full extent of your damages. Includes medical bills, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Secure a fair settlement that accounts for the long-term impact of the TBI on your family.
- Prepare your case for trial, if necessary. Ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, PC, LLO, we fight tirelessly to help Nebraska TBI survivors and their families find justice. While no amount of money can reverse the damage, a fair settlement can ease the financial burden and help your family focus on healing. Let us handle the legal matters while you concentrate on supporting your loved one during this difficult time.