06/23/2023
Researching changes to the mind, emotions, personality as a result of brain injuries.
All through the corners of our amazing brains are specific and definitive traits and qualities developed as we grow. These sections of the brain are intricately interlinked with multiple functions! and all of it is coordinated right between your ears.
And then these traits and qualities continue developing through our adult life.
When a traumatic event occurs which damages the brain, such as transchemic infarcts, strokes, concussions, infections(such as meningitis), our character can change. This can be very upsetting for the one damaged as well as for their loved ones.
Then this NOVA video about a massive documented brain injury popped up in my email yesterday!
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/part-brain-missing/
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I am looking deeper into the therapies available, but I wanted to go ahead and share this for you and all your loved ones.๐
Survivors of these many types of brain injuries can feel as though they are missing a part of their brain!
But there are therapies that are evolving that can help recover a sense of wholeness again. โค๏ธโ๐ฉน
The followuing helpful info is from the Australian Stroke Foundation. They offer some simple and easy to understand instructions of what to expect and what you could be asking your medical team about!๐ง๐ก
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What you need to know
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Having a stroke can affect your emotions and personality.
You may laugh or cry for no reason.
These changes can be hard to adjust to, especially for those closest to you.
Emotional and personality changes can get better with time.
There are treatment options available.
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Emotions and Personality After Stroke
-Changes in your emotions and to your personality are common after stroke. Itโs very normal to experience strong emotions after stroke, however these emotional reactions usually get better with time. Longer-term emotional and personality changes can be particularly challenging.
-We value keeping ourselves and our emotions in check. Emotional and personality changes can also be difficult for the people around us and can cause problems in social situations.
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Emotional lability
-Emotional lability is common after stroke. This is when emotional responses donโt seem to make much sense or are out of proportion. You may cry or laugh uncontrollably. Your emotional responses may appear out of character or be out of context. This is also known as the pseudobulbar affect.
Strategies you can use
-Be aware of the things that trigger your emotions. These triggers will be different for everyone, but they can include fatigue, stress, anxiety, and noisy, overcrowded environments. Being around emotional people or events and being put under pressure can also trigger emotions.
-One approach is to just ignore the emotional response and continue with the conversation or task. This lets other people know they should ignore it too. Alternatively, you might choose to deal with it in an upfront way. Tell people about your stroke and about what works best for you. You can for example say, โjust ignore it and hopefully it will stop.โ
-You can also take a break to help regain control of your emotions. Take a short walk or do something different. Try relaxation and breathing exercises. A psychologist can help with cognitive and behavioural strategies.
-If things are really bothering you; you may want to consider making some changes to your routine. One-to-one, brief, and pleasant activities in a quiet environment can be better than trying to constantly deal with stressful situations or environments.
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Depression and anxiety
-Depression and anxiety are common at any stage after a stroke, and they can be treated. If depression or anxiety may be an issue for you, speak to your doctor.
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Personality Changes
After a stroke, existing personality traits can become exaggerated. Alternatively, people can behave in ways that are out of character for them. Personality changes after a stroke can include:
-Not feeling like doing anything.
-Being irritable or aggressive.
-Being disinhibited โ saying or doing things that seem inappropriate to others.
-Being impulsive โ acting without thinking, and doing things that are not safe or are not appropriate.
Sometimes changes in behaviour are aimed only at the people closest to the stroke survivor. This is quite normal. Most of us only show the more difficult parts of ourselves to the people we are closest to because we know they will probably forgive us. However, if the behaviour is extreme, it can isolate us from the people around us.
Sometimes, stroke survivors do not realise that their behaviour or personality is different. This can make it difficult to address these changes.
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Treatment and Recovery
-After a stroke, it can feel like you are no longer the same person you were before. Stroke survivors, partners and family members can all feel grief about this. Everybody needs to find their own way of coping with these changes, and this will take time.
-Just like in life, personality after stroke will continue to change over time. Immediate changes in personality are not always permanent and there are things that can help.
-Cognitive behavioural therapy. Helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, creating a more positive and problem-solving approach.
-Behavioural management training. This includes anger management.
-Medication. Anti-depressants may be helpful if depression or anxiety is a problem. It may also be helpful to ask your doctor to review the medicine you are taking.
-Carer and family support. Carers can receive support, including modifications to your home if needed to help ensure that everyone is safe. It can help to talk to a trusted family member or friend about your feelings. Respite care can help you to take a break.
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More help
StrokeLineโs health professionals provide information, advice, support, and referral. StrokeLineโs practical and confidential advice will help you manage your health better and live well.
Call 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653).
Email [email protected]
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Join Australiaโs largest stroke community for information and support.
EnableMe: stronger after stroke
An injury cost Phineas Gage part of his brain, but he lost something else too.
