Research has found that patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are three times more likely to experience depression than those who have not had one. For every ten people who do not have a brain injury, approximately one person will have depression. For every ten people who do, around three people will. 

Both the patient and their caregivers must educate themselves to recognize the signs and lower the chance of anxiety. At NeuLife, we help prepare patients and families for a successful return to everyday life by guiding them through the whole process of brain injury rehabilitation

Unfortunately, researchers have not determined specific factors that cause depression after brain injuries or when it usually starts. Some people experience depression right after their injury, while others develop it a year or more later. 

Regardless of when your brain injury occurred, it is essential to tell your doctor about any depressive symptoms. The doctors and health care professionals at NeuLife will then ask you a series of questions or fill out a questionnaire or form to aid in diagnosing you.

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Symptoms of depression

These are some symptoms of early depression. Usually  the symptoms last at least a week or more and interfere with everyday life:

Often, people suffering from depression do not notice their symptoms, leaving it up to caregivers and close friends or family to be attentive to mood or behavioral changes.

Remember some amount of sadness after a brain injury is normal. But when it lasts for a prolonged period of time and the symptoms do not seem to improve, then it may be depression. Fortunately, post-acute rehabilitation offers effective treatment options specializing in TBI and depression. 

 

How is depression treated?

Depression is usually treated two ways:

The most important component in treating depression at a neuro-rehabilitation centre is having the support of loved ones. If the patient is experiencing depression, they may feel lonely, worthless, or like they do not belong. 

If those close to the patient make an effort to show love and compassion, it can aid in healing. A simple way to accomplish this is by opening up lines of communication and including them in social activities when they occur. 

 

What is the Cause of Depression when a loved one has had a TBI?

There are a few factors that may contribute to depression if your loved one has had a TBI. For one, they may have experienced actual physical changes in the brain due to the injury. Sometimes there is damage to the part of the brain that is in charge of regulating emotions. 

There are also lifestyle changes that a TBI impacts. The patient may experience job loss, disability, or loss of income. Any of these factors can contribute to depression. 

Also, specific individuals may be more at risk of suffering from depression. There may be a hereditary component, personal history, substance abuse, or another risk factor involved. If these factors are present before the injury, the patient is more at risk for depression. 

Depression after a brain injury

 

Learn More About NeuLife - One of The Best Brain Injury Residential Facilities

NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, neurological disorder rehab and more. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation, medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary, and vocational counseling, and more. 

Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites.

For more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please give us a call at 800.626.3876, or visit our website. You can also make a referral or schedule a tour!

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to many physical problems like impaired memory, frequent headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. However, TBI may also cause personality changes and this is something that many patients grapple with.

Fifty-nine percent of the subjects in a study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation presented significant personality change after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. The most obvious of these changes include "neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness," particularly in patients with frontal and temporal lesions. 

In a more recent study published in the American Journal Health of Behavior, students active in sports who have experienced concussion showed a higher risk for depressive symptoms, self-harm, and poor mental health. Thus, a psychological evaluation following a TBI is essential to facilitate a better treatment plan for the patient.

The Impact of TBI to the Brain

Scientists cannot pinpoint the exact reason why traumatic brain injuries can change one's personality. However, experts in neuro-rehab widely believe that TBI affects the intricate connections between the cerebral cortex and the limbic system. 

The cerebral cortex helps the brain process memory, cognition, perception, and awareness. The limbic system, located below the cerebral cortex, is the center for brain functions like emotions and behaviors.

Experts at the NYU Langone Medical Center say that only 10 to 20 percent of patients may develop mood and anxiety problems after one concussion. This is a small but otherwise significant minority. 

Some experts in post-acute rehabilitation also believe that patients who experience TBI are already in an exceptionally stressful situation. People respond to any form of extreme trauma in the body differently.

Some TBI survivors may end up doing or saying things they don’t mean while other patients become more emotional than they were before they suffered a TBI.

Some patients present heightened aggression and quickly become frustrated and short-tempered. For others, the changes could be subtle and less significant. 

What To Do With This Outcome

Needless to say, it's challenging for many patients to recover from a traumatic brain injury. It's important, however, to recognize the emotion, and understand why these changes happen, to prevent a full-blown mental illness.

Families or friends around the patient must also be sensitive to these changes. Support from a professional is also paramount as therapy and neuro-rehab may help the patient manage and even correct these personality changes. 

Learn more about Neulife post-acute rehabilitation

NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. As one of the post-acute rehabilitation centers in Florida, its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation, medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more.

Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.

 

 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Why misconceptions happen:

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States is approximately 1.5–2 million cases per year, and it is the foremost cause of injury and neurological disability among children, young adults and seniors. Despite the frequency with which it occurs, the general public maintains misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries.

brain injury rehab

Because of the prolonged (and at times incomplete) recovery process, TBI patients may go back to their roles in their respective communities while still dealing with their particular deficits, and while undergoing the rehabilitation process. Due to existing misconceptions about TBI, they are often expected to perform their activities at the same level as pre-injury. When this occurs, it can often lead to frustration and anger which can, in turn, impede the healing process.

Here you can read about the five main misconceptions society has about people with TBI:

1. Emotional needs

A common misconception is that people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury no longer have the same emotional needs. While their quality of life and cognitive and physical functions may differ, people with have suffered a brain injury have the same emotional needs as each one of us: they want to feel loved, useful, needed, to be treated with respect, to have personal space, and to retain control over their lives.

2. Being part of the dialogue

Many people believe that an adult with a brain injury shouldn’t be a part of the discussion concerning his or her care, treatment, or any other plans to assist in solving the individual’s challenges. It is sometimes difficult for loved ones to accept the fact that it is important for a person with a brain injury to be part of any dialogue concerning his or her treatment, care, prognosis, or rehabilitation options.Brain Injury Clinic

If possible, even the most trying or upsetting information should be discussed with an adult who suffers from a TBI.

3. Misdiagnoses in TBI

According to Thomas J. Guilmette, it is not only the general public who hold misconceptions about TBI victims; even health professionals who don’t specialize in brain injuries have problems correctly assessing the length and extent of recovery, and who don’t have the knowledge about the multiplicity of deficits (mainly with respect to mental and behavioral impairments). Occasionally, patients with a TBI are even misdiagnosed as learning disabled or mentally ill.

That is why it is so important to seek professional medical help at a brain injury center or brain injury clinic, where knowledge and awareness of this condition are of the highest possible level.

4. Recovery time

Many people believe that catastrophic rehabilitation (rehabilitation after TBI) will take up to two years to complete and that the recovery will be steady -- this is another misconception.

Brain injury rehabilitation is a very complex process, ideally performed at a brain injury center, where patients respond to treatment individually. No two patients are the same; whenever in doubt, ask your physician or medical professional at your brain injury clinic about therapy progress and prognosis.brain injury rehabilitation

A person with a traumatic brain injury may be able to do something effortlessly one day, then find the same thing problematic the next day. Even though much of the recovery process does indeed occur during the first two years, it is not necessarily complete by the end of two years -- the catastrophic rehabilitation process can continue throughout a lifetime.

5. “Old normal” vs. “new normal”

For many TBI patients (and their families) getting to a point where everything is “back to normal” is the Holy Grail. Every day, they do everything in their power to come one step closer towards this goal.

Opening oneself to the possibility that the “new normal” doesn’t need to be bad may create the space needed for new dynamics and relationships in the family to blossom. No one is denying that dealing with a TBI is a challenging time for everyone, but clinging to past behaviors, traits, abilities, and ambitions has the potential to slow down recovery.

The best chance of recovery

The misconceptions listed above make it difficult for a person affected by TBI, and his or her loved ones, to regain both health and position in society. In such a trying time, what is most needed is understanding, knowledge, awareness, and empathy.

The truth is that no one can do this alone. Every patient deserves support from a great team of medical professionals to assist them throughout the process of brain injury rehabilitation. NeuLife Rehabilitation offers just that support.

NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest residential post-acute rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast, with specialized rehabilitation programs for a wide range of catastrophic injuries.

Our programs are customized to meet the individual needs of each patient, and care plans are structured to promote the highest level of functional independence and successful community reintegration. Through the skills and experience of our highly trained team of clinical experts, we are able to treat a wide range of diagnoses and injuries at our brain injury center.

If you have any more questions concerning catastrophic rehabilitation or any other issue regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI), call us to make an appointment today. You can also schedule a tour to visit our brain injury clinic.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

A brain injury is any injury to the brain that affects a person physically, emotionally or behaviorally. Brain injuries can happen at birth or may arise later from trauma or an illness. Depending on the cause, a brain injury is called either traumatic or non-traumatic.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries do not always include an open head wound or skull fracture. Loss of consciousness may not occur, either, but the one thing that all traumatic brain injuries have in common is contact. These are the most common causes of a traumatic brain injury (TBI):

Causes of Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

A non-traumatic brain injury may also be called an acquired brain injury (ABI). This type of brain injury is the result of an illness or condition within the body, not of a blow to the head. These are the most common causes of a non-traumatic brain injury:

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

According to NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center, common symptoms of traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury include:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center advises you to follow these steps to reduce the risk of brain injury

1. Wear your seat belt

NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center specialists report that most of the clients they treat were injured in motor-vehicle accidents. Seat belts reduce serious injuries and deaths from crashes by about 50%.

2. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, can impair a person’s ability to drive. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in about one in three crash deaths, resulting in nearly 11,000 deaths annually.

3. Don’t text or use a cell phone while driving

Cell phones are the No. 1 source of driver distraction. Using a mobile device while driving is similar to having a blood alcohol level at the legal limit of 0.08, according to research from the University of Utah. Statistics show that drivers who talk on cell phones or text while driving are four times as likely to get into a car crash serious enough to injure themselves.

4. Wear a helmet

Adults and children should wear a helmet and protective gear when participating in sports and recreational activities. Always wear a helmet when:

5. Prevent falls at home

The chances of falling can be reduced in older adults by doing the following:

6. Prevent head injuries in children

Head injuries can be prevented in children by:

Want to learn more about NeuLife brain injury rehabilitation center?

NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. Its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more.  Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.

Accreditations

Dedicated to providing the highest caliber of care to individuals with brain injuries, NeuLife Rehabilitation is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
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We know that choosing the next step in your recovery from a catastrophic illness or injury is complex. Together, we can help you take the next step.

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