How do I know what is “normal” adolescent behavior and what is related to the brain injury?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer and one of the most frequently asked by parents. Adolescence is known for its emotional turmoil with the many physical and hormonal changes occuring at the same time as social and academic pressures are increasing. The brain continues to develop right up through adolescence so new difficulties may now emerge, especially if the frontal lobes which affect impulse control and emotions have been damaged. The impulsiveness and mood swings that we expect from adolescents may be compounded and worsened by a brain injury that affects these control centers. An evaluation by a neuropsychologist can help identify behaviors that are directly related to the brain injury.
