Why Can Traumatic Brain Injuries Lead to Mental Health Issues?

These are the most common ones, and there is some overlap between them.

Symptoms can be immediate or can have adelayed onset.

Shot of a doctor using a digital tablet to discuss a brain scan with a senior patient

Charday Penn / Getty Images

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Between 11% and 34% of TBI patients will exhibit aggressive behavior after their injury.

Insomnia

Insomniais a common occurrence in people who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury.

Some people are left with long term insomnia.

Insomnia is an inability to fall or stay asleep.

Long lasting, if not lifelong, cognitive deficits are frequent after head injury.

In addition to the physical care needed for head injuries, mental health care is key.

No matter the cause, all head injuries can have varying degrees of consequences for one’s well-being.

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doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.45310

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