Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms: Ask the Expert

Depending on what part or parts of a person's brain are injured, the individual may experience significant behavioral and emotional changes. The frontal lobe, for example, helps govern personality and impulsivity. If damaged, there might be no "braking mechanism" for self-control. A person may find he cannot control his anger or aggression. He may also make inappropriate comments to friends or strangers not realizing they are off color.

Or the opposite might happen -- someone's personality may become muted or seemingly emotionless. This is called "flat affect."

What Is Emotional Flooding?
By: Jacqueline Borg, PhD | BrainLine Kids | June 3, 2013
An injured brain needs rest. Without it, even the most mundane activities can overwhelm someone with TBI.

Understanding Your Child’s Behavior After a Severe Brain Injury
By: Jeanne Dise-Lewis, PhD | BrainLine Kids | September 25, 2012
Like all children, as those with severe TBI move from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, their needs and wants change. Behavior problems can serve the function of drawing attention to a changing need.

How to Deal with a New, Angrier Version of a Beloved Husband and Father?
By: Emilie Godwin, PhD | April 30, 2012
Family counseling is crucial to help everyone deal with the emotional effects of a brain injury.

Normal Tantrum or Signs of a Brain Injury?
By: Dr. Jane Gillett | BrainLine Kids | February 7, 2011
How parents can work with their child’s doctor and school in case of an undiagnosed brain injury.

Hallucinations and Delusions After a Brain Injury
By: Brian D. Greenwald, MD | January 17, 2011
Can certain medication, social isolation — or both — cause psychiatric problems for someone with a TBI?

Flat Affect and Brain Injury
By: Dr. Celeste Campbell | November 15, 2010
A brain injury can sometimes limit a person’s ability to express emotions — temporarily or permanently.

Why Does My Wife Ask the Same Questions Over and Over?
By: Elaine Phillips | October 1, 2010
Learn what perseveration is and how to cope after a brain injury.

Why Has My Sister’s Personality Changed Since Her Traumatic Brain Injury?
By: Dr. Celeste Campbell | July 1, 2010
Emotional regulation can be challenging after a brain injury.

Risky Behaviors and Brain Injury
By: Michael Paul Mason | June 1, 2010
Therapeutic intervention can change lives.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Brain Injury
By: Dr. Celeste Campbell | December 1, 2009
Research is not conclusive, but we do know that the risk of mood disorders increases.

Motivation After a TBI
By: Dr. Celeste Campbell | July 1, 2009
Behavior can change after a TBI. Learn the causes and how to help.

Socializing Safely After TBI
By: Carolyn Rocchio | April 29, 2009
Helping an adult child move toward independence comes with risks.

Brain Injury, Social Skills, and the Holidays
By: Carolyn Rocchio | December 1, 2008
Carolyn Rocchio offers advice to prepare someone with a TBI for holiday party interactions with family and friends.

Brain Injury, Behavioral Challenges, and the Holidays
By: Carolyn Rocchio | December 1, 2008
Worried about your loved one's behavior during the holidays?