Some of the most debilitating medical conditions aren’t immediately obvious. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect someone’s life in many different ways depending on the severity and location of the brain injury.
The most severe TBIs can leave people on life support and unable to communicate. Moderate TBIs can also produce life-altering symptoms, like the three below, which might leave people in need of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Changes in mood or personality
When a previously responsible or hard-working adult suffers a head injury, they may struggle to continue performing the same job. Personality and mood-based behavior can change abruptly after a brain injury, making someone no longer capable of performing a job that depends on their interpersonal skills. Mood issues can also be problematic if someone slips into deep depression or becomes aggressive toward family members, co-workers or even medical care providers.
Changes in cognitive function
People often report confusion or memory issues after moderate or severe brain injuries. If a job requires that someone solve complex problems or follow detailed steps, a decrease in their memory or cognitive function could stop them from doing their job. Cognitive changes might also make it difficult for people to organize their daily life or even meet their own basic needs, like taking medications on time.
Struggles with balance or motor function
Your brain controls every action you perform, and it is also responsible for helping you maintain equilibrium as you move. A brain injury that affects your strength, range of motion or balance could make it hard for you to work a physically demanding job or live independently.
Identifying and documenting the symptoms produced by a brain injury can be crucial steps for those in need of disability benefits. The more information you have in your medical record about the impact of your injury, the easier it will be to prove that you need SSDI benefits to support yourself.