Brain injuries can leave people with “invisible” ailments that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives. These are the types of things that family members may see, but which don’t show up as easily to the outside world.
For instance, common issues after a traumatic brain injury include:
- Serious and consistent headaches
- Dizzy spells
- Difficulty keeping your balance
- Trouble walking
- An impaired memory, either in the short term or the long term
These are things outsiders can see. A failing memory can make it impossible for you to do your job. Physical mobility issues could make it impossible to even leave your home. Headaches could leave you bedridden and on medication most of the time.
But, below all of this, you may deal with significant personality changes that have an even greater impact on your life.
One man’s story
The exact way that these changes manifest themselves is different for everyone, depending on issues like where the injury occurred and how serious it was. But it can help to look at another person’s story to see how it may impact you.
For example, one man claimed he used to be a leader and he got very involved in what was happening around him. Then he suffered a serious brain injury. A dozen years later, it still impacted him, as he described himself as someone who sat and watched, rather than engaging. He became more passive and less outgoing.
He also claimed that, prior to the injury, he was a calm and even-tempered person who got along easily with those around him. After the injury, he struggled to control his anger. He had “flare-ups” when he would lash out at people he loved. He said it happened most often when he felt exhausted.
Taking a toll
You can imagine how these personality changes take a toll on both your personal and professional relationships. If you go from a happy, outgoing person who sees a lot of success in life to an angry, tired and passive person who stays in the background, people may feel like they do not know you anymore. It’s a common complaint from family members. It can ruin your career.
As this happens, it can, in turn, take a toll on your emotional and mental health. It’s not easy to deal with the fact that you feel different and you cannot seem to do anything about it, even years after the injury.
Your options
If you suffer a brain injury that makes it impossible for you to work, you need to know exactly what legal options you have in Texas. This could include a right to seek Social Security Disability benefits.