Traumatic Brain Injury's Impact On Marriages And Relationships

We have written a number of articles about how traumatic brain injuries can affect every aspect of a person’s emotional state and physical state. But it is easy to overlook the less obvious affects of a head injury – the affects that a serious brain injury can have on a person’s relationships and marriage.

A traumatic brain injury can affect a marriage in several serious ways. First and foremost, an enormous amount of pressure is put on a head injury victim’s spouse, who must immediately transform into the person’s primary advocate and caregiver. In the most serious cases, a spouse must care for their loved one around the clock – all while dealing the family’s financial situation and making important medical decisions. This can be extremely stressful -- and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even feelings of resentment.

Even in cases of more mild traumatic brain injuries, the affects on marriage can be significant. Behavioral problems and personality changes caused by damage to the frontal lobe can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and arguments. Bursts of rage, depression, cognitive difficulties, and feelings of frustration can leave both parties asking, is this the same person I married?

Head injury experts understand well that relationships also endure trauma in the wake of an accident. Most recommend that all couples dealing with brain injury rehabilitation and recovery seek counseling and support. A local brain injury caregiver support group can help spouses to understand that they are not alone – and that it is possible to work through behavioral issues, mental changes, and outbursts that may occur after a head injury accident. At the same time, brain injury survivors can begin to better understand how their actions and behaviors relate to their brain injury.

If you have suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by negligence, talk to a head injury attorney today.



About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a VA injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases brought by victims of traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, in 2000, our firm helped a plaintiff receive what was then the largest verdict ever in a Virginia brain injury case. Then in the year 2012 we won a $21 million brain injury verdict.  We also have a blog in which we discuss only topics related to brain injuries and head wounds. 

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008.Shapiro and Lewis have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2008. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers receive this professional honor. In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA injury law firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News if you or a family member has been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.