Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can have a wide range of effects on a person’s mental and physical health. The location of the injury on the brain combined with the severity of the condition play a significant role in determining the specific effects that a person may experience. The ongoing challenges a person may face during recovery will be directly related to the area of the brain that sustained damage.
Often with a TBI more than one area is affected therefore symptoms can range from problems with speech and cognitive ability, to issues with mobility and personality changes. Although these challenges can be extremely difficult to overcome, according to the MSKTC, “Most people with TBI are able to walk and use their hands within 6-12 months after injury. In most cases, the physical difficulties do not prevent a return to independent living, including work and driving.”
Brain function: what does the brain do?
The MSKTC describes the brain as the “control center for all human activity, including vital processes (breathing and moving) as well as thinking, judgment, and emotional reactions,” and goes on to explain that “understanding how different parts of the brain work helps us understand how injury affects a person’s abilities and behaviors.”
Although the left side and the right side of the brain are both responsible for the movement of the opposite side of the body (the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa), the left side is generally responsible for speech and language and the right side is in charge of “interpreting visual information and spatial processing.” Because of this, the left side is sometimes referred to as the ‘rational side’, whereas the right side is known as the ‘intuitive side.’
The 6 parts of the brain
As well as 2 sides, the brain is made up of 6 areas:
- Brain stem
- Cerebellum
- Frontal lobe
- Parietal lobe
- Occipital lobe
- Temporal lobe
Each area of the brain has a different function, for example, the brain stem is responsible for many things including breathing, heart rate, and swallowing, whereas the frontal lobe controls our emotional responses and is responsible for reasoning and problem solving (among other things.) The side effects of a brain injury are hugely dependent on where an injury is sustained on the brain.
Injuries to the front of the brain, also known as the anterior brain, can have a range of effects on a person’s cognitive and emotional well-being. This type of injury can affect a person’s ability to think, reason, and make decisions. It can also affect the control of emotions and impulses.
Injuries to the back of the brain can have a different set of effects on a person’s physical and mental health. These injuries can affect a person’s ability to see, hear, and process information from the senses. They can also affect movement and control of the whole body.
The psychological effects of a traumatic brain injury
The psychological effects of a TBI can range greatly depending on the injury but can include:
A brain injury can affect a person’s ability to think, reason, and make decisions which can lead to problems with memory, attention, and problem solving.
A brain injury can also affect a person’s ability to control their emotions and impulses. This can lead to problems with mood regulation, such as depression, anxiety, or anger and aggression.
Some people may experience changes in their personality or behavior after a brain injury. This can include becoming more impulsive, irritable, or socially inappropriate. Changes in personality can be temporary but may be permanent.
Some people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their brain injury.
Brain injury can cause difficulties with language, communication, and comprehension, which can lead to frustration and isolation.
Some people may experience hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia after a brain injury.
Recovery following a traumatic brain injury
Treatment for brain injuries will vary depending on the specific location and severity of the injury. The recovery process following a TBI will typically be lengthy and will involve a team of healthcare professionals to ascertain the correct treatments and ensure the right road to recovery.
Recovery from a brain injury can be a difficult process and, in some cases, people may never fully recover from their injuries. With ongoing support and care, however, people with a TBI can have a good quality of life with the right team of professionals around them.
How TGA can help
TGA provides a range of services including care, aids and equipment reports, liability reports, and immediate needs assessments. Our nationwide network of hand-selected associates includes professionals with expertise in brain injuries, in order to present a fully independent assessment of the claimants’ injury.
Our experts can assess an individual to determine the location and severity of a suspected brain injury and therefore the affects that can be expected from such an injury. Their expertise will also ensure that they can determine the most appropriate course of treatment and recovery options for the claimant.
One of our brain injury expert’s Linda says:
“Taking the time to listen to the Claimant and their family is essential when assessing people who have suffered TBI (traumatic brain injuries). The event itself has been frightening for everyone and the recovery period is usually challenging and can be prolonged. Changes in behaviour and personality can place a strain on even the best of relationships. So, navigating those dynamics in a kind and curious way helps the Claimant and their family relax and describe the impact of the injury on them, their life and their future.
As Care Experts we look to return the person to as near as possible to their pre-injury life, this means that we have to be forensic in our thinking and take a reasonable, proportionate and sensible approach to recommendations. We aim to enhance the persons independence and quality of life whilst minimising dependence and intrusion on the persons privacy”.
You can find all our associates and their experiences listed on our associates page here. You can find our more about our services here, and make a referral here.
