A traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffered on the job can affect your life profoundly. Besides the more common symptoms like headaches, nausea, and memory problems, there are things a TBI can do to you that can change your entire self-image and how other people react to you.

Specifically, we’re talking about personality changes caused by brain trauma. While relatively rare, some victims emerge from their brain injuries with different attitudes and ways of interacting with friends, relatives, coworkers and strangers. A suddenly changed personality can affect your social life and career — indeed, your entire future. You might need workers’ compensation until you can adjust to your new self.

From shy to sociable

These changes can seem to be either positive, negative, or a little of both. In an extreme example, a teenager sustained a severe TBI in a car accident and went into a coma. Before her injury, the girl was extremely shy. After emerging from her coma, she became much more outgoing and eager to meet strangers. However, she also acted much more aggressive and violent, and lacked empathy toward others, though those traits faded as she grew into an adult.

Years after her brain injury, the woman remains bubbly and outgoing. However, she is still physically affected by her injury.

The long-term effects of a workplace brain injury in Phoenix

Personality changes after a TBI can be confusing and affect your safety as well as your social life. Imagine losing the ability to read other peoples’ emotions or set reasonable boundaries. You could unintentionally offend people or even put yourself in danger without realizing it.

Fortunately, few TBI survivors experience this. But more commonly experienced symptoms can severely limit your independence and ability to function. If you sustained a brain injury at work, it could be months or even years before you can return to work. In the meantime, you can apply for workers’ compensation, but if your employer’s insurance company rejects your claim, you may need legal help from an experienced workers’ comp attorney to get the funds you deserve.