Emotional Instability: Concussion Symptom Or Something More?

Experiencing a concussion can be a traumatic event, and it is understandable that someone who has suffered a concussion may feel emotional. However, it is important to note that emotional symptoms can also be a symptom of a concussion. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can affect a person's emotions and feelings. While physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea are more commonly discussed, it is crucial to monitor emotional symptoms as well, as they can interfere with recovery. Emotional symptoms may include increased stress, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and sadness. These symptoms can be indirectly related to the injury, such as stress from being removed from sports or falling behind in school. Understanding and addressing these emotional symptoms are vital steps in the recovery process from a concussion.

Emotional symptoms of concussions in children

A concussion is a brain injury that can affect a child's emotions, in addition to physical and cognitive symptoms. Emotional symptoms can include:

• Increased stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Irritability and low frustration tolerance
• Mood and emotional well-being
• Increased tearfulness
• Feelings of intense sadness
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities and isolation from friends and family

It is important to monitor children and adolescents for emotional and behavioural changes after a concussion, as these can interfere with their recovery. While emotional symptoms are typically resolved as daily activities are resumed, in some cases, they may persist or become more severe, and behavioural health intervention or counselling may be recommended.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can contribute to emotional symptoms following a concussion:

• Neurovascular coupling: A concussion can disrupt the connections between neurons and blood vessels in the brain, affecting how the brain processes information and responds to its needs.
• Location of the injury: Brain injuries can damage connections between the cerebral cortex and the limbic system, which are involved in emotions, behaviour, and motivation.
• Hippocampus dysfunction: The hippocampus is responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term memories, which can affect emotional responses.
• Pre-existing conditions: Underlying learning, attention, and emotional difficulties can contribute to ongoing symptoms and school difficulties.
• Medication side effects: Medications prescribed for concussion treatment can sometimes have side effects that impact emotional well-being.

Management Strategies

To reduce the emotional impact of a concussion and support a child's recovery, the following strategies can be implemented:

• Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep to reduce stress, improve mood, and support a return to typical functioning. Most school-aged children need 10-11 hours of sleep, while adolescents require at least nine hours.
• Exercise: Encourage regular aerobic exercise, social and family activities, and relaxation to improve mood and aid recovery.
• Monitor pre-existing conditions: Address any pre-existing developmental and psychosocial factors that may impact recovery and contribute to family anxiety.
• Identify triggers: Help children identify their emotional triggers, especially for overstimulation, to enable them to recognise and manage their emotions effectively.
• Create a supportive environment: Family members and caregivers can assist by monitoring overstimulation and providing reminders to take breaks and destimulate when needed.
• Brain breaks: Encourage children to take breaks when feeling overwhelmed, such as finding a quiet space to relax or closing their eyes for a few minutes.
• Psychological support: Working with a psychologist or neuropsychologist can help manage emotional changes and provide additional strategies for coping with symptoms.

Emotional symptoms of concussions in adults

A concussion is a common injury, often sustained by young athletes, which occurs when the brain moves or twists inside the skull. While concussions are not usually life-threatening, the effects can be serious and long-lasting. Emotional symptoms of concussions in adults can include:

• Increased stress, anxiety, and depression
• Irritability
• Anger
• Mood swings
• Emotional lability (teariness)
• Social anxiety
• Feelings of overwhelm
• General anxiety

These emotional symptoms can be the result of specific physiological changes in the brain, affecting how it processes and perceives information. They can also be a natural emotional response to the life changes that a brain injury can bring, such as being removed from sports or falling behind at school or work. Additionally, medication side effects can also contribute to emotional symptoms.

It's important to note that these emotional changes do not usually lead to a true personality disorder. With the right treatment, the symptoms will disappear, and the person's personality will remain intact. However, underlying mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, may require additional therapy to resolve.

To manage emotional symptoms of concussions in adults, it is recommended to:

• Get enough sleep
• Engage in regular aerobic exercise
• Identify triggers, especially for overstimulation
• Join a support group
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing
• Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine
• Set up a daily routine and stick to it
• Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable parts
• Stay positive and practice self-compassion

Emotional symptoms of multiple concussions

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can have lasting emotional impacts on individuals. While one concussion usually doesn't cause permanent damage, multiple concussions can change the structure and functionality of the brain, leading to severe complications and an increased risk of developing emotional symptoms. Here are some key emotional symptoms that can occur after multiple concussions:

Increased Emotionality

Increased emotionality is a common symptom after multiple concussions. Individuals may find themselves experiencing heightened emotions, such as intense sadness, irritability, anger, or anxiety. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and a sense of emotional lability, where one may cry or laugh uncontrollably. It's important to recognize and address these emotional changes, as they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Social Anxiety and Withdrawal

Social anxiety and withdrawal are also common emotional symptoms following multiple concussions. Social situations that were once enjoyable may now feel overwhelming or exhausting. Individuals may find themselves avoiding social gatherings, struggling to follow conversations, or feeling increased sensitivity to light and noise in social settings. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a decrease in social engagement.

Depression

Depression is a significant emotional symptom associated with multiple concussions. Individuals may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and may have changes in their sleep and eating habits, such as sleeping more or less than usual or experiencing changes in appetite. In severe cases, individuals with a history of multiple concussions are at an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another prevalent emotional symptom after multiple concussions. Individuals may find themselves worrying excessively, feeling nervous, or struggling with constant thoughts about potential negative outcomes. This anxiety can interfere with daily activities and impact an individual's quality of life. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

Personality Changes

While personality changes after a concussion are rare, they can occur in some individuals with multiple concussions. This can include changes in social behaviour, such as increased irritability, anger, or aggression. It's important to note that these emotional symptoms are typically not indicative of a true personality disorder but rather a result of the brain's altered functioning and information processing.

It is important to monitor for these emotional symptoms and seek professional help if they arise. Treatment options are available, including therapy, medication, and support groups, to help individuals manage and recover from the emotional impacts of multiple concussions.

Emotional symptoms of concussions in athletes

Concussions are common injuries, especially among young athletes. While most people recover without long-term effects, it is important to take concussions seriously and not rush the recovery process.

A concussion is a head injury that occurs when the brain moves or twists inside the skull, causing trauma. This can happen as a result of a blow or jolt to the head or body, such as in contact sports, or from any sudden movement that jerks the body, head, or neck.

Emotional Symptoms

Concussions can have a range of emotional symptoms, including:

• Depression or sadness
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritability or impatience
• Anger
• Mood swings
• Emotional lability (uncontrollable tears or laughter)
• Social anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Increased tearfulness

Social and Behavioural Changes

In addition to emotional symptoms, concussions can also cause changes in social interaction and behaviour:

• Withdrawing from social activities, such as sports
• Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Isolating oneself from friends and family
• Engaging in reckless behaviour
• Struggling to empathise

Sleep and Appetite

Concussions can also disrupt sleep patterns and appetite:

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Changes in appetite, eating more or less than usual

Managing Emotional Symptoms

It is important to monitor and manage emotional symptoms to support the recovery process:

• Ensure adequate sleep to reduce stress and improve mood
• Engage in regular aerobic exercise to improve mood and support recovery
• Identify and manage triggers to avoid overstimulation
• Join a support group or seek counselling
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
• Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine
• Set up a daily routine and stick to it
• Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps

Managing emotional symptoms of concussions

Concussions are common injuries, especially among young athletes, and can cause emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, and emotional lability (teariness). These emotional symptoms are usually indirectly related to the injury. For example, stress could be related to being removed from sports for medical reasons or falling behind at school. While these symptoms may make it seem like a person's personality has changed, their personality is actually intact.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is crucial for reducing stress, improving mood, and supporting recovery. Sleep deprivation can lead to more severe mood symptoms, as well as increased cognitive and physical symptoms. Most school-aged children need 10-11 hours of sleep per night, while adolescents require at least 9 hours.

Engage in Regular Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise, social and family activities, and relaxation can help improve mood and aid in recovery. However, it is important to ensure that the type and intensity of exercise are approved by a healthcare provider and do not worsen symptoms.

Address Pre-existing Conditions

Pay attention to any pre-existing developmental or psychosocial factors, such as underlying learning, attention, or emotional difficulties. These issues can often be overlooked after a concussion but may contribute to ongoing symptoms and difficulties in school or other activities. Recognizing and addressing these pre-existing conditions can help minimize family anxiety and unnecessary restrictions.

Monitor for Emotional and Behavioral Changes

It is common for individuals, especially children and adolescents, to experience mild emotional changes within the first few weeks following a concussion. These may include irritability, low frustration tolerance, depressed mood, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities. If these symptoms are severe or persist beyond the initial weeks, it is important to seek prompt behavioral health intervention or counseling from a qualified professional.

Identify Triggers and Practice Self-Care

Identifying triggers, especially for overstimulation, can help individuals recognize when they are headed towards an angry outburst or feeling overwhelmed. Taking breaks, reducing environmental and cognitive stimuli, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can help manage emotional symptoms.

Seek Professional Help

If emotional symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfering with daily functioning, it is important to seek professional help. Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety can be effectively treated through medication and counseling.

Frequently asked questions