Why Some Brain Injury Survivors Don’t Realize They’re Injured
- May 7, 2024 - Traumatic Brain Injury,
I’m Mike Hackard from Hackard Law, and today I want to talk about an important issue that many people struggle with – why some individuals with traumatic brain injuries don’t seem to realize they’ve been hurt.
Now, I’m not a doctor, but through my work and experience as an attorney on TBI cases, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of this topic. It’s a complex issue, but I’ll do my best to explain it from what I’ve observed over the years.
The truth is, there are a few key reasons this can happen, and understanding them is crucial for providing the right kind of support.
First, there’s a condition called anosognosia. This means the brain injury itself prevents a person from recognizing their own difficulties. It’s not that they’re trying to deny it – the damage has made it impossible for them to be aware of the changes.
Another factor is confabulation. This is when the brain tries to fill in the gaps in their memory with made-up information. This can make it seem like they don’t realize something is wrong, when really, they’re just struggling to piece together what happened.
And for some, denial is a natural reaction, at least at first. Downplaying the severity of the injury helps them maintain a sense of normalcy as they adjust.
Traumatic brain injury can also cause cognitive problems that affect self-awareness, understanding, and logical thinking. People who have suffered a traumatic brain injury may not have the ability to fully grasp the extent of their deficits.
And sadly, if someone is isolated or doesn’t get regular feedback from loved ones, that lack of external input makes it even harder for them to realize how much they’ve changed.
I know this can be a very frustrating and heartbreaking situation for families and caregivers. But it’s important to have empathy and understanding. These individuals aren’t choosing to be unaware – their brain injury is simply making it extremely difficult for them.
The key is providing patient, compassionate support, and working closely with medical professionals to understand the full scope of the brain injury and the best paths to recovery. With the right personalized care and rehabilitation program, many TBI survivors can improve their daily functioning over time.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury from the carelessness of others, I encourage you to reach out to our team at Hackard Law. You can call us at 916-313-3030. We’re here to support you through these challenging situations and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Attorney Michael Hackard
Michael Hackard is a top rated “AV” for over 20 years (“AV Preeminent is a significant rating accomplishment- a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.”). Avvo also ranks him with their highest rating – “ 10.0 Rating – ‘Superb.’” Michael is also a “SuperLawyer” – an honor reserved for no more than five percent of attorneys in each state. [ Attorney Bio ]