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Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can take a long period of time to fully recover from, and some may have permanent repercussions. One of the consequences of TBI that is not often discussed is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For someone living with a TBI, it can be hard to distinguish between the effects of the injury and a secondary condition such as PTSD, but a dual diagnosis is not uncommon.
What Is Unique About PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur when a person witnesses or experiences an extremely traumatic event, such as a:
- Natural disaster
- Assault
- Car accident
- Life-threatening event
The condition may last for months or even years, and some of the common symptoms that one may experience include:
- Unwanted and repeated flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that the person of the event
- Feelings of detachment or hopelessness
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Hypervigilance for constant threats
Can PTSD Develop After a TBI?
PTSD and TBI often coexist because brain injuries are typically sustained during traumatic experiences. However, it can be difficult to determine which symptoms are the result of either condition because many of the symptoms overlap:
- Memory loss
- Sleep disorders
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
One disorder essentially reinforces and feeds into the other one, which can make both more difficult to recover from. The good news is that there are treatment options available for those with PTSD and TBI.
It’s important to sit down with a medical professional who can gather all the information related to the individual’s condition, diagnose any conditions, and recommend the right treatments that may consist of:
- Medications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma-focused psychotherapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- Support groups
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, our firm can help you take your life back. Our head attorney, Rob Kornfeld, was injured in an auto accident himself, so he knows exactly what you’re going through. Call our firm today at (425) 657-5255 to discuss your legal options at no cost.