As much as medical knowledge has advanced in recent years, doctors and researchers are only beginning to understand the complexities of the brain. This is one reason why a traumatic brain injury can be such a frightening and upsetting diagnosis. While any damage to the brain carries an element of the unknown, if your family member has suffered an injury to the frontal lobe, you may have many questions about what to expect.
Damage to your loved one’s frontal lobe can mean drastic changes within your family. You will want to be sure you surround yourself with skilled and compassionate people who can support and guide you through the many challenges ahead, including the medical, emotional, financial and legal needs you and your family member may face.
Common changes
The frontal lobe is the part of the brain directly behind your forehead to the top of your head. Damage to this part of the brain can occur when a person’s head strikes the ground, such as when someone falls from a height or is thrown over the handlebars of a motorcycle or bike. The frontal lobe may also incur damage during a motor vehicle crash if one’s head hits the dashboard or if the front of the head receives a blow during an assault.
Medical researchers believe this is the part of the brain that controls your loved one’s personality and behavior. Injury to the frontal lobe may result in any of the following symptoms in your family member:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Inability to control inappropriate or sexual comments or behaviors
- Intolerance of other people
- Difficulty processing language and communicating thoughts
- Impulsivity, especially a drive to perform dangerous or reckless activities
- Trouble concentrating or paying attention
- Reduced ability to think critically or solve problems
- Awkwardness or embarrassing behavior in social settings
These and other behaviors may not paint a picture of a bright future, and brain injuries limit the victims to rehabilitation more than to recovery. You may expect your loved one to require medical and psychological tests, therapies, and ongoing rehabilitation, perhaps for the rest of his or her life.
What now?
The cost of treatment following any brain injury can quickly become overwhelming. If your loved one provided income for the family, you may be especially concerned for your financial future.
Those who suffer brain injuries due to the negligent or reckless behavior of someone else may have a good case for pursuing compensation through the civil courts. With the help of an experienced Pennsylvania attorney, you may find at least some relief from the stressful circumstances you are facing.