Your brain is a delicate organ. While your skull generally does a good job protecting your brain from injuries, a blow to the head may cause you to develop a traumatic brain injury. TBIs are common in both slip-and-fall accidents and car wrecks.
If you have a TBI, you may experience confusion, headaches, insomnia and emotional challenges. Regrettably, even though you may be able to take steps to reduce your symptoms, a TBI also may put a strain on your personal relationships.
Relationship dynamics
Sometimes, individuals who suffer from TBIs struggle to perform regular household duties. They may also be unable to work. If you share household chores with a partner, your TBI may change the dynamics of your relationship. That is, your partner may have to do more work at home, get a second job or make other accommodations.
Mood swings
A TBI may cause your personality to change drastically and perhaps even permanently. Specifically, you may experience mood swings or behavioral shifts after your injury. Even if your partner and friends understand the cause of these and empathize with your new way of life, they may not be able to put up with the new, post-accident version of you.
Communication
Depending on the severity of your TBI, you may have difficulty interacting with those who mean the most to you. After all, a TBI may impair your ability to communicate both verbally and physically. If you and your partner or friends cannot socialize normally, your relationships may suffer.
Those with TBIs often have many options for preserving or rebuilding their interpersonal relationships. Remember, while medical treatments and mental health professionals can be expensive, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the person who caused or contributed to your TBI.
