Hallucinations and Delusions After a Brain Injury

Return to article

Comments (79)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

James replied on

3 years ago I fell about 10 feet while spray washing the gutters. I landed cupped inside the ladder with my neck supported. By the ladder and my legs draped over the other side. I broke my left distal radius. At the hospital, I was asked how far I fell , my reply was 3 feet. I've had hallucinations of all sorts. Paranoid, and delusional behavior. Recently, I developed numbness in my 4th and 5th digits left hand, Palmer side. Some burning type neck pain when putting head chin to chest. I saw my PCD AND HE ORDERED an MRI of cspine. This showed foraminal stenosis and DJD.He referred me to Neuro. I spent an hour with the NP and 1 minute with the neurosurgeon. The focus was on the numb fingers. No questions about the fall, hallucinations. Last year, I had. 3 lumbar punctures which did alleviate the hallucinations. I don't know what to do to get through to these guys.

KT replied on

Yes, I had a lumbar puncture, and my symptoms (depression, anxiety, hallucinations, numbness, and issues with walking/gait) all went away for about 8 months. I felt so much better. I think that sometimes there are spinal leaks that they don't see or care about, since its not life threatening. I would love to get another puncture with how I have been feeling lately, but... they don't just do that to relieve pressure unless you have a specific neuro condition that calls for it.

Lorraine replied on

I’m sorry to hear this happened. The good thing here is you have insight into contributing factors. I’d try seeing a doctor who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, “PM & R”, and then get a neuropsychological evaluation.

Meme replied on

My Boyfriend was hit off his motorcycle 5 months ago and have a tbi, Is it normal for him to Hallucinate?

Mag replied on

People with brain injuries, look for neurofeedback psychologists! As well as ptsd therapists and people who treat brain injury. A lot of neuropsychologists are skilled in this and can help sort out what’s really going on. NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST! Psychiatrists don’t know very much about this stuff. They just look at symptoms of behavior rather than cognition. Craniosacral therapy or a good osteopath can help as well. It’s like your brain is hurt and upset and needs calming and correcting. Blood, fluid, brain waves all get messed up. Accupucnture can also really help. Look for community accupuncture if you’re money is tight. Research institutions should have services at reduced fees.

Robyn replied on

I was abused when I was a child and had a moderate TBI and numerous little TBIs growing up. I went to school after school and was further abused. I ended up getting put on meds and succeeding in a SpEd school and actually graduated valedictorian.

When I was an adult, my family and I moved to a different state where they had a meth problem, so a psychiatrist "reevaluated" me and switched ALL my meds. I ended up doing meth myself and dropping out of college. I was a first-year junior. A bunch of crap went on since then, more mild, moderate AND severe TBIs occurred, and after my accident in 2016, my health insurance REFUSED to pay for a Neuropsych. Now, I am stuck in a town where I can't seem to get help. I only find solace when I stay in my happy place and the world just seems to keep dumping on me. I don't get it. What did I do? I am kind and quiet (well, most of the time... I like to rock out to my music!) and just keep getting turned down for help. I had a thought after my accident in 2016 that I was in hell. Am I? Somebody, PLEASE help me. I am 35 and have a lot of life to live and love to give. I want to be a SpEd teacher. I am religiously confused due to a childhood incident and need some help! I DON'T WANNA DIE!!!

Anonymous replied on

I’m so sorry
My mom has to go to PA from GA to get my 44 year old tbi, accident 24 ear ago. Very sad

Shawn replied on

Hang in There! I don’t have the answers but I’ve heard a saying god won’t waste your pain.

cbellissimo replied on

I suffered a TBI in 2015, while working FT, and caring for my terminally ill Dad who raised me. I was forced to resign and started the painful SS Disability process. I also got on to ACCESS for healthcare. There was a program I qualified for under ACCESS-UNDER MERCYCARE. I received a TBI counselor/therapist, and later an advocate of sorts. I recommend trying to get some state help. Even if you work, or pt, perhaps you qualify?! It's worth a shot! I had NO idea there was help for us! I just got my disability, and even though I have ACCESS for secondary insurance, that program is not available for me anymore, unless I change my plan. It's a juggling act, but I've been where your mind is. Through MY CHOICE of faith, walking all through the nightmare, I'm doing better. I can laugh, don't have to fake it anymore. That's a relief in its self! Please get some help, and show off your wonderful self again! Don't ever give up. Meditate, breath, journal, pray-( a personal choice), just putting it out there! Tell yourself you are so very worthy of help! Good luck...I truly mean this! From my heart...GET SOME HELP

Frank, replied on

Hi I would contact your congressman or women in your area ,they were surpose to help more with these problems an help with councilors.My son does in maine but biggest problem is they are overwhelmed with patients ,an can't get enough help because their budgets they say an funding low.If more in need contact their councilman or women then maybe more can be done . My son has this from doing the right thing as young man an walk home from a party an chose not to drive an was stopped an beaten with a night stick several times over the head.now here's voices an has been through a lot seems they just keep trying different meds an some make it worse then again they start with high doses ,to him he cut in quarters took less an seem to work better for him,does hear like audio an voices , seems to feel better when he talks with counciler. I think he would be better if they had a group where they could talk with other with same type of problems an all help each other an feel more worthy of one another an not feel alone I know I would love to have him find a group he could join an not be alone , have others to talk to better to even feel you have a friend even to talk to.Needs to be brought to the attention of congress people out their that need an outlet an not just keep feeding meds .An get some understanding of the causes.God Bless takecare of yourself an let them know you need help an understanding not just the meds some times its just needing to have others to talk to.

Christy replied on

Yes! Love the guidance in your post. So good to: document, research, ask questions and journal like crazy! To add to that I want you guys to know you have a voice!! A lot of these doctors will minimize your symptoms, or treat you as though you aren’t worth their time. At that point you need to get very loud about your needs. By that I mean stay persistent and verbal {respectfully} with your physical/mental health challenges. A lot of us with TBI and PTSD and other disorders related to head trauma tend to isolate because so many of these doctors are telling us there’s nothing wrong or “you’ll be fine in a few months hang in there” so we often give up. Possibly start creating negative beliefs that the doctors know what’s best and I must be crazy. Those are false beliefs! Find a doctor you deserve. Doctors, specialists, and the like are there to offer help, healing, guidance, education and validation. If you do not have a professional in your life caring for your needs that offer positive hope and solutions then I think it’s best you be referred somewhere else for a second opinion. Do not stop seeking help. If you know there is something off with your body, then you are the best judge of that, Stay vigilant. Go to a specialist- ask to be referred. Often specialists only see patients who are referred by their primary physician. Also, your insurance may require a pre-authorization. Research your area to get to know your rights and responsibilities as a patient.Stay at it~stay strong~ stay positive. And remember you will have good days and you will have bad days. Try to enjoy the good days and be proactive on the days that are not so good- Taking breaks more often, drinking lots of water to stay hydrated, meditate- do what works for you and do not stop taking any medications that your doctor has prescribed even if you start feeling better. Always always always talk with your doctor before you make any changes. Good luck everyone! God Bless

Elle replied on

It’s been a month since your post have you been able to get one help?

Travis replied on

My 20 year old son was involved in a motorcycle accident 3 months ago and hit his head on a metal pole. He was wearing a helmet and there was no major damage to the helmet. In the ER he was told that he didn't have a concussion. But since the wreak he has been have hallucinations and has been seeing a psychiatrist and a shrink and is on some heavy medications without much help. My question is if he has swelling on the brain could this be causing the hallucinations? Also if there is swelling could this possible not be detected at the time of the wreak?

Susan replied on

I was in a car accident on October 24, 2018. I didn't hit my head on anything, but a orthopedic surgeon told me my brain bounced forward and backwards hit my brain on the front and back of my skull. I was sitting still at a red light and a kids 18 years old hit me at 40mph. I had a concussion and the symptoms got worse after a month. That is when i found out it was a concussion. I work for an airlines in headquarters. I was told for the past two months that i was making mistakes and i was not 100%. I was then told that the company can't force me to take Short Term Disability, but if i kept working at less than 100%, they would have to let me go. I have to find a really good Neurophsycologist. It really sucks. This kid was on his cell phone and he has totally ruined my life. I have paranoia as well. I understand what you are going through.

Dawn replied on

I had visual hallucinations after brain surgery. It was due to swelling. As far as I know, the only way to tell is through a lumbar puncture. Hopefully, this has resolved as the post is over a year old. Blessings

Kim replied on

I had a TBI from a fall at home alone, unknown time of loss of consciousness, husband found me when he came home from work. No intervention in the emergency room other than a follow up with primary care doctor a week later and then no referral and no intervention then other than being erroneously labeled with bipolar disorder and subsequently medicated with psychiatric meds which only complicated the head injury symptoms which led to being more heavily medicated then falls with fractures, psych hospitalizations and ultimately ECT for my supposed mental illness, which of course added more head injuries. This was my life for over five years until I realized the meds might be part of the problem and proceeded to taper myself off a cocktail of five psych meds. I immediately stopped falling, depression began to lift and I have not been hospitalized since. The doctors statement regarding the use of psychiatric meds with extreme caution cannot be emphasized enough. That being said some psych meds, require careful and slow tapering under medical supervision, never stop them abruptly, it can be life threatening.

Thatlightiskillingme replied on

The lack of aggressive, well coordinated treatment is killing people. I’ve had so many concussions and know doctor ever spoke with me about what was actually happening in my head. They never said “maybe stop activities that keep causing these concussions, they will kill you decades earlier than nature intends.” Nope, instead they just put me back in the game, or worse, they hand my 16yo self a pole vaulters pole without instructions or supervision. Such negligent ignorance makes me feel like someone should be held liable for my years of suffering before an early death, because that is the only thing that will end the unnecessary suffering and many deaths that occur each year from tbi. I’m so sorry you had to struggle without proper diagnosis and treatment. I sincerely hope you’ve found relief.

Someone replied on

I have mtbi and recently had a episode of hallucinations and paranoia which ultimately led to a couple charges with the law which I had previously gotten into a motor vehicle accident in November of 2016 and had a couple times where I know I was not in the right state of mind but it was never this bad so to make a long story short I altimate Lee and getting charged and I am worried about the outcome of my injury getting worse I am just trying to figure out any preventative things I can do to help myself so I never go through an episode like that again just to even think about it is scary because I do not remember anything which I won't forget I was also prescribed Xanax and Adderall which is no one to be brain stimulants which you should never be prescribed with this type of injury thanks Doc

Anonymous replied on

My son had injury to Globus Pallidis 2-14-17. In hospital had delusional behavior with hallucinations- took alot of monitoring and the help of a wonderful nurse to figure out it was the Neurontin- the least likely of all his meds- but THANK GOD- because no one caught on- or thought it could be that medication, especially pain management- who insisted it was not- so out of 27  doctors, mom and a wonderful nurse named Sheila, probably saved him from not only an injury and near death- but being kept psychotic with a medication. Be careful adding meds- never two at a time- be an advocate for yourself or your family member!!!!! I was thought of as a pain in the butt as my son's "overprotective" mother- but I can only imagine the nightmare we would be living had I not been that "pain"!!!

Anonymous replied on

My fiance and myself both suffered violent assults by our neighbors..He was beaten with double fisted brace knuckles which split his skull.. his tooth was knocked through his cheek and lastly the neighbor hit him in the head four times in head with a breaker bar simlar to a a very large crowbar..For three months I brought him to hospitals who made accusations was he must on drugs but never bothered to run a toxicology test..And because He tried to stop a fully grown man and woman from stomping my skull on the pavement he was put on probation which I can't understand I was and am disabled failed cervical fusion..So we fled our home and after 3 days of watching him talk to noone and smoke fake cigarettes and see dinosaurs and monsters.I brought him to the hospital dredding the drug accusations cuz he can appear intoxicated during an episode..This time they said drugs I said toxicology screen..And he was diagnosed..Up until March 3 it had only happened 3 times during stress..He began acting strange Asking if feds where calling and he thought he heard walkie talkies..But I really did think it would happen again.So I let him leave ..We went to the police and alerted them that he has a servere brain injury and was missing..Well some man failed to turn his car off left the keys in the ignition idling and he began hallucinating and tried to escape in a vehicle that which was is in violation of NY State law..What him suffer with impared speach expressing him self struggle and his fustration ..And now he is being victimized again..And the man who's car it wants vengeance not justice .. Because justice would be having him spend a year or two in in a TBI community..But jail will only provide with more danger to his head and treatment..This is not something he would do he fell in love with despite we both knew that he would have to be my hands..He was not a saint as youth but he's a different man and what can I do to help ..Where do I go we just moved to the mountains..Thank u ..I pray for all TBI paitents they suffer in silence..

Anonymous replied on

I was killed by Ghb overdose now I sufffer from hallucinations , and hearing voices . As if I drank a full glass of LSD , this goes on 24 Hrs a day and I don't know how to stop it

Anonymous replied on

Thank you very much. I thought I was the only one.

Anonymous replied on

I was in a car accident 5 goin on 6 years ago and I am a near death experience patient and I am told by some family that I talk to my self and carry conversations with my self and other people that seem never to have existed

Anonymous replied on

I personally experienced the things you are discussing you actually or I should say I did go thru this rest support limited stress acceptance all play a part

Anonymous replied on

i recently had an accident and hit my head severely hard... trying to get doctors to help me has been a struggle.  I finally convinced my doctor to order a MRI which did show some spots on my brain, and am now waiting to see a neurologist.  I have struggled with hallucinations and extreme paranoia and have headaches all the time.  This has also affected my relationship with my boyfriend as I find myself angry a lot.  I pray to God for relief and pray for others that have problems with their TBI

Someone replied on

I feel your pain it almost feels like I have lost everything in my life since this incident relationships friends all because of my anger and thinking process which is obviously not right good luck with everything I hope it gets better for both of us

Anonymous replied on

Is it uncommon for a TBI patent from 25 years ago, to still go thru anger episodes especially under stress? He is not on any meds but treats himself naturally w/ vitamins/herbs. Also, I see him calling an 'opinion', a 'fact'. For example, If he doesn't like someone (which seems often) - he may call the person a 'jerk'. I will say - 'that is your opinion, I like so and so. He get's angry and says "it's a 'fact' and continuos to defend that it's a "fact", not an "opinion. I and others see there are 'disconnects'. There has been a number of people in & out of his life, from what I have seen, due to anger issues or a breakdown in a relationship due to 'miscommunication' or what seems to be a' disconnect'. Thanks for any thoughts.

Anonymous replied on

Our son with MTBI has also been talking and gesturing to himself and often gets angry. Medication seems to help, but it's gotten worse lately. As parents, it's very disconcerting and scarey. I don't think his doctors realize how difficult this is to live with, both for him and us. I hope it will gradually go away. I pray to Jesus for healing.

Gary replied on

My Mother suffered from brain aneurysm's. As a matter of fact she had a total of 7. Two of them started to bleed and after surgery to repair them, they found an additional 5. She recovered unbelievable well and was pretty much considered to be a miracle. Lately though I am getting worried. She is starting to feel things touch her and walk on her and infact bite her. I have searched for evidence or anything to support what she is telling me but can't find a thing. I don't want to tell her that there is no way what she is saying is possible, or anything to make her feel "crazy". Has anyone been through anything like this before and if so can anyone give me any advice. I am really getting scared something serious is happening.

Pages