I’m Ed Smith, a Manteca Brain Injury Lawyer. The brain is one, if not the single, most important organ in the body. Most people associate their brain with their consciousness and their personality, making injuries to this organ particularly severe. Because of this, it is a good idea for people to understand some information about the different complications that can result from a neurological injury or insult. One of the lesser discussed complications of these injuries is psychosis, which is slightly different from what is often portrayed in the popular media.
What is Psychosis?
Undoubtedly, people have seen movies or TV shows where someone has been termed “psychotic.” Perhaps they developed PTSD or simply had a psychiatric condition that was being portrayed; however, these portrayals often aren’t accurate with the true medical definition of psychosis. Psychosis is defined by the medical community has either:
Hallucinations: This is defined as either seeing visions or hearing voices that aren’t actually there. Sometimes these images or sounds are simply present and other times they can be telling the person what to do. This is termed “command hallucations.”
Delusions: Delusions are defined as fervently believing something that isn’t true. For example, someone could believe that the government has implanted something into their mind or that they have been kidnapped by aliens. These delusions can vary in how much they’re skewed from reality.
Watch Youtube Video ~ People With Certain Delusions may be Victim of Brain Injury not Mental Illness.
Psychosis is often a symptom of a more serious disease. Recently, an article was published discussing how this can develop as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
How is Psychosis Related to a Brain Injury?
When someone has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, it can be a challenge to adjust to this trauma. There may be an associated skull fracture or damage to the soft tissue of the brain itself. This damage can manifest itself in various ways depending on the location of the injury; however, these injuries can result in damage to someone’s personality or mentation. A serious traumatic brain injury can lead to psychosis. Risk factors for this change include:
- A family history of psychiatric conditions
- Previous history of a traumatic brain injury
- A pre-existing psychiatric condition, such as depression
- A pre-existing cognitive impairment
The existence of any of these risk factors can lead to psychosis following a traumatic brain injury
Legal Assistance for Those Involved in an Accident
These types of injuries can result in tremendous financial cost and emotional stress to not only the individual but also their loved ones. It is important for the details and circumstances of these accidents to be investigated so that they can be prevented in the future. Therefore, it is a good idea to sit down and speak to a compassionate brain injury lawyer to learn more about these injuries and the options available.
Related Articles by Manteca Brain Injury Attorney:
- Brain Injuries and Mental Health Issues in Women
- Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Elderly
- New Study Links Concussions to Permanent Brain Damage
Manteca Brain Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Manteca Brain Injury Lawyer. If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury to the head or brain, reach out to me anytime at (209) 227-1931 in or near the Modesto region. Also, feel welcome to reach out at (800) 404-5400 for our toll-free option. We can offer you free, friendly advice without any charge.
Learn more about my team on Avvo, Yelp and Google where customers from earlier cases have authored comments and provided helpful summaries.
I am a valued member in the Million Dollar Forum. The forum is made up of trial lawyers with settlements or verdicts exceeding $1 Million Dollars on a particular case.
Feel welcome to view our settlements and verdicts from earlier cases.
Top Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons with permission
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