A traumatic brain injury can be life-changing in many ways. Brain injuries not only cause damage to the brain: they can affect behavior and mood too. After medical treatment is administered to someone who has suffered from a concussion, other issues can arise during the healing process. Therapy can help in getting your life back on track if this happens.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden movement to the head or body. This movement may cause the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells, or creating chemical changes in the brain. Even if a concussion is deemed a “mild” brain injury because they’re not life-threatening, the effects of a concussion can be serious.
After a hit or a fall, a person may seem confused, move clumsily, or act differently. They might have a headache or feel a sense of pressure in their head. They may be vomit from nausea, have balance problems, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things. These are signs and symptoms of a possible concussion. It’s a common misconception that someone who has a concussion loses consciousness, but most people don’t. In sport-related concussions, loss of consciousness occurs only about 10% of the time.
What are some issues one can experience after a concussion?
After suffering from a concussion, you may experience post-concussion syndrome. Physical symptoms of post-concussion syndrome might include migraines, dizziness, or fatigue. Other symptoms include memory or thinking problems, depression, anxiety, or mood changes. Since there’s no specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome, your doctor will treat the individual symptoms. Therapy is often recommended for cognitive issues and behavioral or mood problems.
How can therapy help?
There are different forms of therapy that can help someone recover from a concussion. It can be helpful to discuss your experience with a psychologist if you have new or increasing depression or anxiety. With this type of cognitive behavioral therapy, a therapist can guide patients in identifying negative thought patterns and suggest skills that patients can use to manage them. Counseling sessions can also help you learn stress management strategies, since stress may increase the intensity of some cognitive symptoms. Talking to a professional who has experience working with people who have suffered a brain injury can ease your fears, help you relax, and provide peace of mind about your condition.
Mind Balance Counseling is here to help with your recovery
Our therapists at Mind Balance Counseling provide warm, supportive counseling for individuals who have suffered concussions or brain injuries. Learn more about who we are and other services we provide on our site, or reach out to us with any questions you have.