Emotional Problems After Traumatic Brain Injury

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I wish I had died that day. Life has been pure hell. Nobody gives a shot. Insurance company cut off attendant dar again. 5 more concussions because they lied and said they would pay. Rotten pieces of crap. Nobody understands. They give you so. Can not even live anywhere on that. I am in my 60’s now praying I have my last fall and out of this hell of a life. Kids. They have no interest in helping me. I am a burden. Wow. Nobody is lucky to survive a Tbilisi your life as you knew it gone and the disabilities act well it falls very short. The government keeps you deeply impoverished. Meds or food? Food or a place to sleep. All lives should matter Wake up America.

I have had multiple occupational head injuries and each time I am unsuccessful with getting workman's compensation to take responsibility for payment. I lost everything and had to file bankruptcy. I have to keep working in order to keep a roof over my head (it leaks) but no one will hire me. My job is too dangerous for me. I try so hard not to get depressed because I don't want to go down that downward spiral. I pray the rosary every night and try to hang in there.

Dear Kevin,

I'm so sorry that you're going through this and that you don't feel understood.. You may think no one has ever experienced what you’re going through and that no one can help you. I'm here to say that you can get through this.

Have you expressed what you’re struggling with to your family or to a friend? If you’re not comfortable talking with them or feel they're unable to understand, please consider reaching out to one of these confidential resources:

National Suicide Crisis Line (24/7)
1-800-273-8255

When you call you will hear a message that you’ve reached the crisis line, there will be brief hold music while you’re connected. Then a skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the Lifeline network crisis center will answer the phone. This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

Crisis Text Line (NAMI)

Text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to talk via text message.

When you text HOME to 741-741 the first two responses are automated. They tell you that you're being connected with a Crisis Counselor, and invite you to share a bit more. It usually takes less than five minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor. When you’ve reached a Crisis Counselor, they’ll introduce themselves, reflect on what you’ve said, and invite you to share at your own pace. You’ll then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor. You never have to share anything you don’t want to.

“Talk to a friend, family member, member of the clergy or someone else who is a good listener.“
DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE EXCEPT A PROFESSIONAL!!! If you talk to a friend be prepared to lose that friend. Once people know what’s wrong with you they either fade away or you just never hear from them. This bulls**t is written by people who have not experienced it. And you keep thinking that someone will understand but no one does. By the time you realize there is no one that will understand you have lost everyone and everything.

Everything you wrote is Truth, pFamily and Friendships will wither away! No one understands, not even me...

One exception to avoiding non-professionals: Talk to other survivors. Many have information (e.g. clinics, doctors, exercises, experiences) that may help. I'm in several self-help groups and they are a boon for multiple reasons.

The biggest problem with doctors is how many are lazy, they want a "one size fits all" solution for brain injuries. Two people could be hit in the exact same place with the exact same force and have different symptoms or problems. And when doctors see this, many shrug and walk away or assume the injured person is faking it.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who goes through emotional roller coasters due to TBI... I've recently lost my significant other because of my "impulsiveness, negative attitude and anger outbursts". I haven't had a concussion per say but I've had three surgeries in an attempt to cure my epilepsy if anyone can relate. The first was when I was 5 to remove a tumor in my right temporal lobe/amygdala. Then again when I was 22 to remove scar tissue and an apparent seizure focus in my frontal lobe. My last surgery was a year later at 23 because the previous surgery was unsuccessful. They tried going into my insular cortex this time. The surgeries drastically reduced my seizures to about two per year but the effect on my emotional state will be ever lasting. Nice to know that the amygdala, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, and insular cortex all take part in controlling emotions! I have anger out bursts and throw things at times. I am severely depressed and have trouble meeting people. I'm afraid to go back to work because I'm so nervous. My resume has big gaps in employment with only silly jobs like food service on it and I have a measly associates degree in general studies. A neuropsychologist diagnosed me with "mild neurocognitive impairment" a few weeks ago and noted that I am "at risk of further decline". I am only 25 and I'm already on social security disability. I am terrified of what my life will be like 20-30 years from now. Sometimes I feel like I was just convinced and used as a guinea pig by my surgeons in LA and Denver. Now I have to deal with the consequences so just f**k me I guess!

Sorry to hear that for you at such a young age. Mine did not happen until my mid forties and it has been an adjustment to say the least.

I hope you find healing, peace and overall happiness. Those of us with brain injury get you. You can and WILL do this day by day, moment by moment.

Anonymous....Im new to this, I suffered several TBI's from a car wreck at the end of June 2019...what actually could be called a fender bender although my car was totaled so maybe not. But I was sitting at a red light listening to music when a young girl slammed into the back of me, no breaking or slowing down...pretty sure she was on her phone but I guess Ill never know the truth. Anyway if I lost consciousness it was briefly but the impact left me very dazed and confused...my car was shot forward about 25 feet through the intersection I was sitting at...Im lucky it was clear of crossing traffic. But a brain injury is a brain injury...having your brain operated on is a very big deal so don't discount what youre going through..we all suffer from this...doesn't matter how we got to this point. I know exactly what you're going through..all these testimonies are the same and what Ive come to realize is it really doesnt matter how sever your TBI was..these awful symptoms affect us all. Im 55, I have a BS degree in Information Systems Security, I'm a husband and father of two girls and Im the sole bread winner in the family as my wife has a disability that keeps her from earning an income. Ive lost one job bc of these symptoms that I wish i would have been told about when It was found I had 4 brain injuries from the accident. I had no idea what was wrong with me...the fatigue, the extreme agitation causing me to go full MMA on whom ever just happens to be in my sites at the time..or Im so down and depressed I sob..for no reason. And the debilitating headaches from waking up to going to bed don't help. My wife claims she doesn't know me anymore..weve been together since 1984...and this has seriously challenged our relationship!! I almost hit her once and caught myself at the very last second, my wife is afraid of me now, she said she never saw such rage in my eyes as I had that night...Ive never once even remotely came close to raising a hand to her...and that in itself has driven my depression to dangerous levels..even my kids walk on egg shells...its no way to be and its the complete opposite of who Ive been my entire life. Now that we know whats going on, we work on it..its hard but we do. Im sorry youre so young and going through this...just try to remember its not who you are and you can change things with concentration and work with a professional. I dont know what my future holds, I can't stand the thought that I may (probably will) have to re-make "ME". That I may never be able to hold a job bc of my poor concentration, my short term memory and my inability to cope being around others for very long without becoming an butthole...only time will tell but all I (and you) can do is work on ourselves, the rest is out of our hands and thinking about it only makes it worse. God bless and I will keep you in my prayers.

I had a severe brain injury 32 years ago. I have accepted it but I still hate it and what it has done to my life. Most days I wish I had died.

I sustained a brain injury 30 years ago in a motor vehicle accident. “I” died that day, yet I am still here...it took my spirit and my very being . I miss who I was, and I loathe what I am.

Sounds an awful lot like me. I hit a telegraph pole in 1981 aged 23. They fixed my torn ligaments and broken bones but not my head. A have lived a half life at best

tell me ABOUT IT buddy I had a fall in 2002 which took me away from reel life.i cant work I cant now drive as I have become a slug with salt being put on me 24hr a day & it killing me & my family which I have 2 lovely grown up woman & a 5 year old grandson which I love to nits but I cant show them as my bloody head is fucked & it hurt like a mother fuker all I can say pal is try yo stay strong bless you

:( my son had severe brain injury due to hydrocephalus and a brain tumor. He was 10 and had to have a shunt placed. He had very hard mood swings but it wasn't just that he changed. He lacks emotion at times. I cried after 6 months of non stop yelling when he came up to me and gave me a hug. It was the first sign of hope. It's been a year and he's not a violent or verbal but like your comment he's not the same. God bless.

Hi Heather how is your son now please let me know I have same problem lack
of emotionss and feelings is any hope feelings come back as normal?

Why don't you say anything about the role stress plays in triggering the limbic systems fight ,flight or freeze response and the "Amygdala Hijack?" The amygdala is the culprit to most of what you mention here. It's no wonder there are so many veterans taking their lives because all this article does is increase the burden of brain injury and does little to educate people about the consequences of brain injuries.

I agree with you Ken Collins. I've dealt with my son's TBI for 15 years. People just do not get it, and it is extremely frustrating! Caregiver's say "oh of course I know TBI, or oh sure, i've worked with TBI" well, evidently they were not "educated" as you say properly. It is very sad.

Hi,
I am a recovering motorcycle accident I had a head injury and lost memory for about 3 months. I am now back to work with full memory. The issue I am having is my husband he actually had a moderate to severe head injury along with leg injury needing rods, plates and screws.
His TBI is the issue he has emotion liabilty, executive function deficit, memory and emotional outbursts. Today he told me he was going to kill me and kill himself and burn the house with excessive verbal profane name calling slamming his fist on the table and came right up to me and tried to stare me down. This man is 6 2 and very strong but vulnerable with his leg injury. How do you deal with this I just left the house and walking away giving no response does not work. I need some guidance can anyone help

My mum has brain injury
And I find it hard sometimes to be patient as most of the time I’m always shouted at she says the most hurtful negative things to me where I’ve realised it’s causing me to have mental exhaustion specially already working in a stressful environment it doesn’t always help coming home to such an environment everything she sees it being negative nothing is ever good enough

I have a 30-year-old son that has anoxic brain damage, June 5th, 2014 he suffered a massive heart attack with multi-organ failure, both lungs collapsed, and he was in a coma for nearly a month after someone shot him up with Heroin laced with fentanyl. It nearly killed me to see him this way, but I stood by his side this whole time which he has improved far beyond what doctors thought He is physically independent living next door to me, that is very helpful because for the last 3yrs all of his friends deserted him. He is taking mood stabilizer's and depression meds as well as Vyvanse for concentration. In the last year, he has gotten worse with the verbal abuse towards me (Mother). I've read all the articles you can imagine about people with TBI and how they feel, how to deal with it as a caregiver, and I have been so supportive and loving to him. He is my only Son that I love with all my heart, but it is starting to affect me a lot, what should or can I do?

I have TBI got it in an explosion from a bomb that exploded under the TC Seat of a M1151 Humvee up armored the best tactical vehicle in my opinion, unfortunately that truck cannot provide much protection from a bomb exploding underneath you. It killed my TC instantly and f**ked up my driver and gunner. I didn't remember a thing. F*ked me up too. I recovered eventually and suffered neck, upper and lower back pain, my right knee still has a deep gash scar that fills up with fluid. Really, not anything visible. I didn't care anymore. Oh, I forgot how to feel too. It's war, people die all the time, I remember feeling honored to fight for something I believe in I forgot how that felt, who cares. I just stop feeling and didn't care anymore. I returned home from deployment still listing to this LTC debrief our boys about how to act return to our duty station and not talk sh*t to rear det who stayed home. Everything changed. I didn't feel any different than before my injury. So I thought. My new squad had respect and love for me but talking sht at the same time. Too quickly to react when I tell them how it is down range in theater, I thought they were listening. They were more annoyed than anything more like oh sht there that guy rambling about stories again. I had my squad leader pull me aside to his bunk said some sht I couldn't comprehend much of what he was saying I couldn't pay longer attention looking passed him and all over the place the sky ground hands. Slow the fk down is what he said. People couldn't track on what I was saying and changed a subject every other moment. I was in charge of B team. My privates and specialists never seem to take me seriously and I couldn't react on how to feel or get anywhere speaking to others, I didn't care. I was having others saying why are you yelling or talking so loud when I thought I was talking normally. I took leave. I went back to my mom's house to stay for a few weeks. Man when I returned to my town, it was another war zone. I'm in my civi's and I noticed everyone looking at me. I stuck out buy didn't notice why. My mother said I needed to cut down on coffee and watching out for everything is making people uneasy around me and she also said quit cussing because every other words I say fk, pss, sht, MF, FK and rambling on sht nobody knows I am talking about. Stop being Loud, your too aggressive, Stay Stiil, can you listen to me, are you ok hello are you there? I felt something finally after like 4 months of feeling nothing. I exploded in anger throughout mom's house I can't take it anymore it was quick and it surprise her so much she was in shock then started to cry. She said what happened to you where is my son? I was like you all was just living good with no worrying about sht embracing all this freedom you got angry look around at me like some A hole punk kid that should be in school in a study of a course I give a crap about. I didn't see a future in going to a school in fact I didn't see a future at all I just want to go back to war again because I felt normal there and the only I was good at. After my leave was over and couldn't feel or act the way I'm supposed to act when mom feels uncomfortable heart broken thinking it's her fault and took what I said in outburst to her heart, I'm a born strictly raised Catholic, school boy, close to family, respectful to elders and fellow community, a nice guy, played ball in high school, I got along with others well, never got into trouble, rarely got into a conflict unless it was against my boys and family. I was known to be friendly and I had so much ambition I valued life and God. I returned to another alien world I couldn't understand Nothing was the same. People I thought I knew were disappointed pissed off and would anyone who were close family and friends and people in the middle class quite neighborhood ever thought I will be lashing back or acting that way towards my mother. They wanted me gone and couldn't wait to get the he'll out and get away from these people you all changed F You all I don't care. I didn't know how to feel. After Leave I jumped on another mission to deploy again. Medical cleared me all the redundant training again and go to go back in action. I Actually felt comfortable and at home there and didn't bother on calling home unless it was about my WILL and who's gunna my power of attorney when I died. My second Deployment received very little action compared to my previous one and man, people were looking at me like I was sick or something, this other soldier was like, you volunteered to comeback to this sht hole, you already did your time now go home and get pssy! There's sht Taliban, ain't shorty here just men, you must like men? Man love Thursdays. I was in the process of jumping on another deployment and I was already approved by the relieving unit's Commander when my request rejected by my unit commander from home. I burst out laughing uncontrollably then anger I wanted to kill him so badly I felt he was fking up career stopping a job I was good at. After my deployment ended, returned home. Then later found out why they rejected my request for a third deployment because many Joe's returned home and got sickness I didn't believe it was real, and I just figured that this sickness is a get out of jail free card that soldiers say they have to they can quit serving and get medical discharge ended their contract bid. Damn I was that guy in the back row of this debriefing saying this was way longer than my first-time coming home and sitting back listening to the VA talking about suicide and stuff! I joked to my buddy next to me and said if this session goes on any longer I'm gonna kill myself. Another group showed explaining PTSD, drugs, hitting spouses, conflict with the law! I was like don't pertain to me PTSD sht fake as fk don't give a damn. Finally I remember coming home to my mom's. I told her that it was a huge mistake that they denied my 3rd deployment. She was completely different towards me and kinda got along and used to her. I was like your son too! I got annoyed and easily angered. Throwing stuff just as quickly as it started crying uncontrollably while my mom watched. I started to get mixed emotions that at times someone should be sad I giggled and at a time I should be mad I wasn't and became very passive to things and got numb to my emotions. This is what my mother did: she gave me space just like you did and suggested to 3 months until my contact with military is expired and get a regular job something similar to your last job. My bid ended I was free and missed my team, my family military bonding, military life, no more formation and time line. Uniforms gone and I can finally see what I looked like with a beard. At the time of injury 19 turned 20. I was 20 turned 21 when deployment 2 ended gonna turn 23. I'm home I didn't spend any of that money while in action. IGot a bonus too. Ok I haven't had to experience the freedom yet. The freedom to not having being told what to do because they said so. I couldn't relate to normal civilian conversation because nobody knew what either of where talking about. I found a veteran bar and to share stories with the dinosaurs. I finally contacted some battle buddys to hang out with and without warning we started drinking uncontrollably. 1 beer 4 beers 45 bears and running an open tab they cut us off later my tab $1k oh well never worried about. My boys got hotel rooms and I stayed with them. None of us wanted to leave each other. Next day we all got women then parties all night and all day long. They were in love with us we as a group dropped over 10k in weekend like nothing and didn't care. The ladies introduced us to something I've never tried before. I tried drugs for the first time offer to my boys they tried it too. Drugs Hookers and Blow! Rocking and rolling every night. Sht felt so good like feeling that same feeling you literally dodged a bullet from a firefight and sht I'm invisible I didn't die in combat, but I also felt it's gonna end soon. My family finally got a hold of me after weeks of fun and celebration my relationship with family grew more distant. They were disappointed. They wanted me to live with my brother because I was looking sick, I got to 240lbs smelt like crap and my breath reeks of alcohol. Then they told to get a house with all that money I got. I stopped drinking and drugs. Fortunately I took my parent's advice and got a house. VA loan baby got a house! Now I needed a job and clean up. I miss the feeling that made me feel good. I had weird random flashbacks. I replayed events in that hmvvee over and over then started getting crazy thoughts thinking I should have done this spoken up stopping the hmv and do 5 and 25s situational awareness. No I got complacent and only worrying about chow at the FOB or showers. I felt guilty for the first time. Because I remember that exploded aftermath trying to figure out where I am and what happened I awoke an found my buddies moaning then I failed. Gash on my knee and it felt like water. I didn't feel it. I'm dazed cutting the gunners belt and free him from the turret looked at the driver and he attended the Truck Commander. It felt like 1hrs have went by. Actually minutes and all of gotten medical evacuation by helicopter. KIA'S saddest sht and coulda shoulda would've. Despite my minor injuries I felt normal. At this time I've been a civilian for 2 months I received a call from a buddy he said our other buddy shot himself. That's unreal. I got contact by another buddy and our other buddy is in detention center we watched the news. Homeboy Robbed ATM Technicians at gun point stole the money then got caught. Our first sgt drank pain pills then down a bottle of wine. Then after 4 months buddy of mine jumped off Tillman Bridge by Hoover damn. Look it up 2012 War Veteran Jumped off bridge. Then after things started to get normal. I remember getting fired from 10th job and felt like a failure. I didn't understand what's wrong with everyone. I hooked up this addict on the street we got into a relationship and knocked her up. My family called first it's dad go get help your not well. I didn't notice on they way I act. I'm confused didn't know what's wrong. One day happy as he'll for week then so fking guilty and sad for two more weeks then finally after my brother and this woman I picked me from the bus stop said you get mental treatment. Let me recall the events I skipped wich lead to everyone to seeing myself slowly developed into a degenerate compulsive gambler also shooting up as much meth into my veins feeling my heart racing and blamed everything on everybody I feel fine and I do what I want. Nobody ain't doing sht I got my guns. 86 myself from the various buildings. Hit my woman lost my house. Got to go to jail. Hooked on dope trying to detox wanted to die I failed my country. From hero to zero. Out of jail now bank accounts at negative balance house payment are high the house really is pregnant oh ahhh got to love that rushing feeling No more support by family all tired if my bullst fking who gives a sht about feelings fk this world I got my gat gonna take money from hajj 7-11 what's up! Fu hajj I was so amped up. I took the money and dropped my cellphone. I was so hot swinging backward then stumble to the street. Police arrived in seconds standoff happen guns drawn, my gun aim barrel in my mouth. Lights Camera Action NEWS everywhere man blinded by lights everywhere still thinking do it wuss out. I had tunnel hearing tunnel vision saw this interrogater getting help from the side saw my mom standing from the parking lot and wonder how she got here. The police got my phone found VA stuff and called mom and dad. Check out the LV Strip Standoff. I was only a couple of months away from being a civilian man for a year 6 years at State, psych ward, VA changes, Got diagnose of stuff I didn't believe was real. Veterans Treatment Court, AA, NA, and GA. From 2013 to 2020. I now volunteer as a social worker at the VA hospital public speaking about why it's important to be humble. changes happened and I never expected to get blasted caught me slipping. VA programs are there for you fellow Veterans. We all followed that cold darkened paths we think was something you're in control of and yes we are in control just learn how you live without looking back move on start something new. My mom took me hiking in Colorado helps. Oh, your gonna get emotional outbursts go through it so you know it got triggered. Go to public speaking up. Tell the doctor what you REALLY are thinking and also take a buddy or family to your psych sessions so they REALLY tell doctors what's happening. Prison saved me. It put structure back into my life also humble my stubbornness dropped my pride and got the treatment. VA Doctors are HEROS let them do their jobs.
Suicide is REAL everyone! Civilian military family. To be honest, the day I drank with my buddy I didn't seem like anything was wrong. Normal. Kills himself 12hrs later. Read these suicide prevention cards. My buddy kept talking about his girlfriend and wasn't drinking like for fun but kept saying he stays numb. I don't know if your gonna do it you're gonna do it. JUST REMEMBER
SUICIDE IS PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A TEMPORARY PROBLEM. I hope this long as stories change someone's idea about doing outside chartered action and asking for help don't mean you're weak, they do a function check on you. Like PMCS on vehicles before using it on missions. Veterans Treatment Court is very good. If you fked up like me VTC is there being Veterans gives yourself an edge on treatment rehabilitation instead of Corrections and recidivism. Non Violence probation after a year incarnation.

National suicide prevention lifeline - 800-273-8255

Hang in there. I'm praying for you. Brain injuries are not easy. But just keep in mind, it isn't you, it's the injury. You sound like a beautiful person taking care of your son. Keep loving him, I know you do. Try and focus on the good things, I know sometimes that's hard. Find a support group.

I had a severe tbi when i was 13 y/o. And was comatose for 2 months. I am now 64 y/o and my employment record is spotty. I don't have any short-term recall, so when things happen i will have no memory of it later, when you have to write Progress Notes. I keep a short list of the clients eating, medication adm., or E.R. visits. But i am unable to recall any direct conversations that occurred, between the clients or with me. I am not sure how to maneuver my way around this. Do you have any suggesstions?

Good morning,

I have had numerous Brain operations and tomorrow I am having Cervical Spinal Surgery. A little nervous.

Thank you for your special articles. They feel like that they are just for me... maybe an easier to make a copy for my close friends and family. Thank you

Take care

Samantha

I was struck by a vehicle, and nearly killed, when I was 2 years old. At a young age, I was outgoing and extroverted. As a freshman I became crippled by social anxiety and have lived so ever since. I am now 36 years old with a family of my own still searching for answers. I am exhausted of telling doctors my story and just feeling sedated as they shift me from medication to medication. Looking for other direction to turn! Any help? Please!

If you could contact your Local Vocational Rehabilitation Office. In your area. They work with survivors of TBI and could find a job for you that is much more friendly and aware of your special needs due to your injury. And would be accomodating to your needs. I go to a Psychologist that works with survivors of TBI, and she is very knowledgable on my job problems.
Good Luck, Debbie Hunt

I was a victim of crime, shot in the head when I was 15 on November 16th 2009. When I came out my coma I spent 1 month in rigorous therapy then continued my treatment as an outpatient. It’s now been 8 years and only NOW are the effects of my accident kicking in. I feel like my life is falling apart and often have this feeling of being “out of place” or that I am losing myself. The feelings are getting worse and I have been getting treatment/medications but I feel like it’s not helping. I don’t know where to go now, I feel that I am losing hope... and I can’t find anyone that has dealt with this. I am just looking for advice on how to cope.

I understand completely. I was in a car accident 2 years ago and recently I've become a complete stranger. I fly off the handle for no reason, I say things I don't mean, act impulsively and verbally lash out at anyone who is within ear shot. My mouth spouts off very hateful things. Especially to the one person who has loved me in spite of the hot mess I've become. I am so grateful to find out that there is a reason this is happening.

went thru same with my son from drunk driver. We used Superfoods Chlorella and spirulina to give brain mega nutrition so it fix itself. Hes 32 and undergoing surgery for tumor on amygdala this year and it has given quality of life. he is only subject at UCLA who is not in wheelchair or on IV o r oxygen. Plus his tumor is not growing. best of all his energy and focus are good enough for him to remain independent and work pt. look it up on YouTube

That's terrible. I'm 14 yrs. after a near fatal brain injury and your words resonated with me completely. Although certain "circuits" still don't appear to operate, the constant feeling of dread and anxiety just "went away" about a year or so ago. To tell you the truth I had to simplify my life somewhat to stop the series of mental and nervous breakdowns I was becoming so good at "sailing through" although as you know, it's just horrible. I can analyze things much better now but emotionally I can't relate to anyone from the time period of my injury. Which I am being punished for by some very non-understanding people. So, same s***, different day is what I suppose I'm saying. It DOES get better.

Almost 4 months ago, I was the VICTIM OF AN EXTREMELY VIOLENT PHYSICAL ASSAULT BY AN AUTISTIC MALE ADULT THAT LEAD TO SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA (CONCUSSION HAS DETERIORATED INTO HEMANGIOMA AND STILL WAITING FOR AN ANGIOGRAM MRI TO FIGURE OUT IF MAIN VEINS ARE INJURED) PLUS EYE TRAUMA (HE TRIED TO GOUGE MY LEFT EYE OUT) AS HE TWISTED MY NECK AND OF COURSE PTSD. I WAS ASSAULTED FROM BEHIND (NEVER SAW IT COMING), UNAWARE AND UNPROVOKED!!!!
I was working a spring-summer contract as an educational gardener, teaching schoolchildren how to plant seeds and create organic vegetable gardens in their schoolyards. This summer, my boss had the brilliant idea of not only offering this service to kindergartens and schools but also an autistic center. I was not comfortable with this since I had no training in dealing with mentally challenged adults.
I did plant the seeds with a group composed of mostly Down Syndrome adults because they were more functional unlike the other patients (they call them clients) that were autistic. I had to return almost every week to check on the seedlings, and make sure they were watered. I must admit I never felt comfortable in this environment nor did I feel safe.
On a beautiful afternoon in June I went to the Autistic Center, I followed the procedure, open the main door and stay there until the person in charge would fetch me and open the door to the plant area (a room that could also be accessed by the outside without having to go through the center where all the clients (autistic people) where hanging out. The moment I opened the main door I felt something was wrong, its hard to tell what it was among the moaning, screaming, whatever other noises but there was violence in the air.
It happened as the person in charge and I were opening the door to the plant area. Not only did he assault me, his mother was there to pick him up, after he assaulted me he turned to his mother and violently attacked her in front of me grabbing her by the hair and hitting her...the story goes on.
I was told by the person in charge that I had TRIGGERED him because I happened to walk in !!!! Really stupid thing to say to someone that has just been assaulted. I guess the person in charge was trying to put the blame on me when it was her decision to let me in knowing this autistic person was already having a meltdown before I walked in hence my feeling of violence in the air was real. I could have gone through the outside door and not have to deal with going through the center. I continued my duties, watering the plants, although I was very dizzy and my eye was in bad shape, guess the adrenaline was on, I could not continue because I was shaking (this lasted 8 hours). After the assault, the person in charge wanted me to come back through the center, at that point I was traumatized and refused to go back in as she tried to tell me it was OK (OK? the person in charge obviously lacked proper judgement and the autistic center does not have any security measures, no male presence to subdue with strength out of control clients, and probably no cameras...).
I have been trying to deal with this new situation in my life, its extremely difficult and sad and getting quite frustrating. This is a difficult case since I am in the grey zone, I am a victim of criminal physical assault yet because he is autistic it rules out pressing charges or getting help as a victim of assault. I can only press charges on the Center for lack of protection, security measures and judgement. Up to now, the personal injury lawyers I have called to inquire about what to do seem quite interested until they ask my age (around 50) then they just say I dont have enough proof (?!) and they cant take this case!!!
I am in Canada, more specifically in Quebec (Montreal) can anyone recommend a personal injury lawyer or anyone with knowledge of the legal system it seems like I am being tossed into the cracks of the system and being left to rot...autistic people seem to have more rights than myself..this incident has left me completely at loss of everything regarding a normal functioning life..all the important spheres of life have been severely affected : family, work, physical and mental...not looking forward to winter since I have become dependent on others to drive me to my appointments and anything concerning chores (my eyesight is totally messed up)...I am now dealing with the brain trauma and that is sad enough.

I would contact an agency through your government, because it sounds line toy ate being discriminated against! You have rights just like everyone else, regardless of whether a person is Autistic or not, you were still assaulted & assualt is assault! I am from the USA and all people are held responsible for their actions, so I'd check with the local public legal system (District Attorneys Office in the U.S.) or Human Service Agency that deals with people that have been assaulted and/or discriminated against due to the assault, i.e., no one will help you do to whom asked you... I wish you the best. Take Care of yourself...
**Namaste, I've Been There

I am so sorry to hear what happened to you, But I would hold the center as well as the guardian of this person that attacked you accountable for his actions, I am worried that this will eventually happen in my situation, going from verbal to physical abuse by my son. I really hope you recover 100% and again I am so sorry to hear what happened, hang in there and do what you can to have justice served

Hello to all!
My mom suffered 2 brain aneurysms, she's 2 years post, and really having problems with depression and anxiety. I'm her oldest (29), a brother who is (17) and a sister (7) who is Autistic. She's loosing her home, her husband died and it makes me really sad. She was a nurse, so all of this is really hard for her, as well as us. She'll never be the same although she can somewhat function properly. This has taken a toll on my life as well. I wish you all nothing but the best wishes! TBI's are hard.

Yes it's very hard. I just turned 38 yrs old, had 2jobs, life, car, apartment and bf. 1/2017 was my Anuerysms (2.5). I had brain surgery and tons rehab thkgoodness. My doctor say if I wasn't young the brain surgery would be a success. I lost all I had except God never left my side or me. I'm thkful to be able to talk, walk and be here. I see life differently now.

After the surgery was there a point where you felt a combination of listlessness and complete indifference to all of your past experience and values?

After years of dizziness and migraines as a child the doctors excused these symptoms as growing pains... in 2004, at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma. I responded by doing everything the medical field was telling me to do for this Brain Tumor. I had radio surgery and was watched for a few years. After the surgery, I was told by my doctor "You won't even know you had the surgery". So when my symptoms grew even worse, I went in for a scheduled check-up. When the doctor asked how things were going? I told him, and this was his response! "I can do another operation". My response to that was "No Thank you". The professional doctor slammed my file on his desk, would no longer look at me and said " There is nothing more I can do for you". Let's just say my life has never been the same, I don't know what is in store for me...Hopefully I will be able to take care of myself one way or another when I don't even know who I am...

My experience has been the field seems even more resistant when it comes to diagnosing TBI in miniorities.  I know I'm not crazy, I'm injured and I'm close to losing everything.

12 times with a concussion, at least the ones that put me out. I never felt any irritability until the last one. Now I'm a monster, I barely make it through my days, and if someone slams the door, or complains about their life, or tries to dump their stress on me, I just break down and start screaming and cussing and punching. I know I am ruining my family, my children are scared to death of me, my wife is an angel but I fear her grace won't last. I think about suicide every day, but can't go through with it too afraid I would mess up my children. I don't have any friends anymore I can't stand my family and haven't spoken with any of them for years. I've worked really hard to try to get better spent lots of money and time on therapies and different diet and supplements. I barely function at work I just go to work and back to the house and when I'm home I lock myself in my room, it's been two years. I have to stay distracted hundred percent of the time, if I'm not distracted my thoughts will race and I will think about everyone and what they're thinking about me and how they weren't there for me or how they wrong to me and Boom, rage. I went from being physically active and a very good athlete, to a guy that can't do 10 push-ups, not because my body won't do it but because my head freaks out I get this crazy popping in my head and my ears and my eyes, and then I go into to rage then it's fatigue. Not just a regular fatigue, but if a T where I don't have the energy to connect for a conversation with anybody. I already only connect with my wife and my two younger children, I can't stand my older kids and they are angels. This is not life, it's just hell!

Hang in there and if you have the ability, find some respect living by the golden rule and cease being a jerk to those around you. I don’t care how hard it is for you to be nice, you are responsible for yourself.

you must not have a brain injury or a serious one or live with one. this isn’t the support ANYONE, with a brain injury wants to hear. acknowledging it. learning more about it. knowing it’s absolute hell for us to try and “make it through the day sometimes without exploding”. you can blame us for being irresponsible. sure. that’s because we have a brain injuries. we don’t think YOUR way. stop shaming and start emphasizing.

Ok. First you are not alone-others are and have been thru this! That does not mean it is not hell right now in your life!!! :-( But I can tell you beyond a doubt major positive changes can happen--and i am only one testament. It means there is Great Hope, with time and good help.

I offer the below as a fellow TBI'er, graduate of a Intensive Cognitive Rehab Program (fyi was rejected at firect because I was in too bad a mental state), and for over two years working at a Brain Injury Model System Magnet rehab hospital with outstanding outpatient programs and and with a passion for brain science and Emotional Regulation & Support groups.

Having what I call the "Cumulative Effect" (Personally having 18+ know LOC/unconsciousness with two more serious 'TBI's" that sent me into a totally different league in terms of cognitive & in particular "Emotional Dis-Regulation". Emotional Issues are the 2nd Half of the TBI Equation--albeit less know and understood in my humble option.

So What you are going thru is fairly normal after TBI, but VERY serious and dr's must be aware even if not a ideal choice. I had ptsd via 9/11 & 2 TBI's. Twice I had to admit self admit myself to a hospital/psychiatric facility to protect myself and my daughter when being overly aggressive in general public or 'overreacting' at home. I will not lie I hated it and left as soon as possible but it still gave me a respite of sorts and a calm environment to help collect my 'confused thoughts' and meds are often introduced.

Would love to share a bit of my learning that has worked for me. For starters Exercise Literally Kills Stress and Builds Brain Cells---Scientific Facts...and if ever get to a level of longer run 4+ for many a meditative state can be a dual benefit as meditation (a kind that resonates for you (progressive muscle, mindfulness, breath focused, gilded audio, or a walk in the woods, Finally I found a study at Mount Sinai for "Emotional Regulation" within the brain Injury population...ongoing, yet pilot year plus study was Very Positive/effective. I took park and it really helped.

Hang in there TIME IS YOUR FRIEND...just try and survive! and make sure you seek help before you lose it.

Two great quotes two exerience pych/BI Dr.'s said:
"You Are Stronger Then You Think" - i did not believe it but it helped ans was true
"You Are Going To Have A Non-Linear Recovery"- so absolutely true. Just make it through the lows ok. Just Survive If You Must--i've been there

Sending Positive Thoughts going you way. I Fully Promise you it can and will get better over time...but deal one minute at a time. Folks are often fearful to seek help, but the def of courageous is acting in spite of fear, not lack of fear.

Two Mantras that kept me alive...find you own.
NEVER GIVE UP, Never Never Give up, Never Never Never Give up!
Faith Not Fear

Hello, im close to 50, an suffered a TBI, loss of consciousness, in a car accident in 2010. I am a diff person, with many of the symptoms most speak of here. Worked my entire life in my career field, often 6-7 days, @ 10-16 hrs daily. I loved my line of work more than most ever get too. I wish now i hated my job before, so i wouldnt miss being able to do it now. I was considered 1 of the best in my field, & now i just hate,my life, cuz im mean, frustrated, sad, angry, & have euined nearly all my friendships. I wish i were more positive, and had a better outlook, but no matter how much i try, i cant find that frame of mind post head injury. I feel for all of you, because i understand. & the spouses may have it as hard or harder than the injured. If my wife was not so supportive, or i had been single before & today, .....Well, lets just say that i prolly wouldnt be typing this, or breathing at all. I hope you all have better luck than I, at keeping a good outlook on life, & trying to learn to manage your ptsd, anxiety, & anger issues with each passing day. I figure if its not gotten better much in 7 yrs, its prolly not. Done tons of doctors, meds, therapy, U name it. Church prolly helped the most, but my best friend was a really old farmer from church who died at 98, and although u think u should be happy he had a great life, im really angry cuz i miss him so much. I starting to cry, just thinking about him now. May God bless you all, & dont be like me, get up everyday and try your best. I know what the alternative is, & u dont wanna be there eveey day of your life, just waiting for the day the constant daily pains & headaches go away once & for all. I may not be able to take my own advice, but hope you all will continue to find hope in ea new day, unlike myself. Regards

I had frontal lobe surgery in '08 due to a car accident. I don't remember much but I was in the hospital for about 4 months altogether. I thought I was okay but now the longer I'm being faced with life's moments (such as having a family) it is really taking its toll on my family. i never knew why I would get anxiety and overwhelmed by such little stupid things but finding information out there is really helping me understand what I need to do to live a good life

I fell out of tree about 25 feet & landed on a piece of wood. I hit my head hard. My head is slightly misshapen, my back broke in many places (ribs, shoulder blades & spinal damage). It was bad. I remember coming to on the wood pile, ringing in my ears, and not being able to move my legs. I flipped myself over, sat my top half on my bottom half and crawled until I could pull myself up. This happened when I was 8. I'm now 34. I can walk, but my back hurts constantly. Along with my hips and my head. I have pressure in my head constantly. I feel like I have a permanent headache. I have a very short memory, I have to make notes everyday so I don't forget what I'm doing. I get moments where I'm just enraged at the stupidest things. My fingers if the tips are hit just right I hear ringing in my ears, get hot, feel like I'm going to pass out, become nauseous & then lose my vision for a few minutes. Its awful. I never thought a game of hide & seek would leave me like this. As I've gotten older my memory is getting worse & where I broke arthritis is setting in & hurts. Life goes on & you deal with the pain. Brain injuries are no joke.

I was pitching in a baseball game at the age of 13 and took a 120 mph line drive to the back of the head (occipital lobe). I was unconscious, throwing up on the mound, and rushed to the hospital. Spent a week in ICU with a brain contusion, fortunately, surgery wasn't needed. I'm 24 years old now and looking back at all these symptoms; I had them shortly after and still have them today. It's scary. I'm now more aware of what exactly happened and the effects of it, but I still have major episodes of anxiety throughout the day everyday. As much as I remind myself why I feel so much anxiety, the anxiety is still there. I get anxiety from having to or wanting to speak about things. It's unexplainable but it's there. I just keep plugging along the best I can.

I injured my frontal lobe on the left side in June of 2016 went through a time of panic and anxiety thought I was having heart attacks pain everywhere could not sleep called into work almost daily because could not function went to several doctors they could not or would not listen because I answered their question truthfully about my feelings of self harm . I cant drive very much due to this took my vision away to a large degree  I know I am slowly healing but it is hard and hours just pass me by I do not want to harm myself or others I just want my previous life back because My wife and I had plans for our future as retired persons. I know there is hope and I am making progress ever so slowly I just can't go to see these doctors because it is 15 minutes and get out the just want me to leave they know they don't have the tools to meet my many needs. All i feel that I need is to have God, and family and friends plenty of rest and stop looking for solutions on the web I used to be the go to guy for all things I knew it and could solve it now I have to go slow and remember sometimes I can then sometimes days later it comes and I fell better because all is not lost it is just creating new pathways of missing thoughts to get back to my normal process I know I do not make a lot of sense right now ,but six moths ago I was a serious basket case I am planning to make a complete recovery because I can look around and see family and grandchildren that need me to return to them as I was before and not this sick person they have to come in to see and hug and then be quite because I can take the crowds or noise this is a goal I have set to work toward happiness and my happiness is me doing my best to make others happy it is like help others and you will be blessed 10 times over for your good deeds. Please remember God is touching me and has blessed me and he will put people and things in your life that will help you . All you have to do is ask and it will happen. 

Yeah but I don't stop shaking. Yeah what can I do about it

I fell two weeks ago and broke my nose but my head - above my eyebrow - took the brunt of my fall. I still have a red bump which is tender and painful, causing me headaches and insomnia. I slept too much the first week, now I have insomnia. I can't seem to regulate my sleep, anxiety, and depression. It is quite scary.

My 8 yr old son fell backwards and hit his head on the ice playing hockey and he felt nauseous and dizzy for a few days after. He was also waking up numerous times in the the night for many nights freaking out, feeling extreme anger and agitation but not understanding why. I appreciate reading people's stories here and can see that this is part of the concussion issue. It is sad how so many of you are suffering. :( I pray for healing for all of you!!...

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