What kinds of changes can happen after a traumatic brain injury?
• A behavior that was previously inhibited may be released. This type of change is represented by an increase in irritability, aggressiveness and socially inappropriate behavior. These are usually easily recognized by caregivers, and are frequently the most distressing in the short run. • The disruption or even loss of a previously existing skill. The functions that are the most sensitive to disruption are known as executive cognitive functions. These skills allow the organization of complex behaviors. Deficits in these skills can be more subtle, and frequently cause less short-term distress for family and friends, but may actually be the best predictor of long-term functioning. An example of this type of change would be the increased need for prompting and direction that an individual with a brain injury might need. Another example might be the person’s behavior being viewed as more apathetic than it was prior to the injury. Both of these kinds of problems may be experienced by an ind
• A behavior that was previously inhibited may be released. This type of change is represented by an increase in irritability, aggressiveness and socially inappropriate behavior. These are usually easily recognized by caregivers, and are frequently the most distressing in the short run. • The disruption or even loss of a previously existing skill. The functions that are the most sensitive to disruption are known as executive cognitive functions. These skills allow the organization of complex behaviors. Deficits in these skills can be more subtle, and frequently cause less short-term distress for family and friends, but may actually be the best predictor of long-term functioning. An example of this type of change would be the increased need for prompting and direction that an individual with a brain injury might need. Another example might be the person’s behavior being viewed as more apathetic than it was prior to the injury. Both of these kinds of problems may be experienced by an ind
