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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rīga Latvija

An acquaintance told how he and his relative were carrying a sofa, and the spring broke and hit him in the forehead. After this accident, he developed epilepsy. And the acquaintance told how the relative's personality changed. Until then, he was a pleasant person, but after the accident, he changed a lot for the worse.

Are personality changes and epilepsy two different things that are acquired as a result of a head injury? Are personality changes part of epilepsy?

February 25
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

A head injury/traumatic brain injury can affect emotions, mood, and personality. Often, those changes are worse after the initial injury and the symptoms can subside after a person has some time to recover. Epilepsy itself, is not necessarily what affects the emotions. The changes and limitations that epilepsy puts on ones life along with side effects of medications can exacerbate depression, etc.

February 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It can happen . Doesn’t mean that it happens to everyone after having a head accident.

February 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes it could happen the only thing is its always hard to tell whether this is the direct cause or there was a underlying issue and this has aggravated it and led to the epilepsy. Personally, changes are normally a mix of both the epilepsy and the meds the person takes for it.

February 25
MyEpilepsyTeam

Can head injuries cause both epilepsy and personality changes, and are these connected?

Yes, head injuries can lead to both epilepsy and personality changes, but they're related yet distinct outcomes of brain trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic brain injury, it can disrupt proper brain development and function in Show Full Answer

Can head injuries cause both epilepsy and personality changes, and are these connected?

Yes, head injuries can lead to both epilepsy and personality changes, but they're related yet distinct outcomes of brain trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic brain injury, it can disrupt proper brain development and function in multiple ways.

The personality changes and behavioral issues aren't necessarily "part of" epilepsy itself, but rather separate effects of the brain injury. Head trauma can affect a person's behavioral, cognitive, and executive functioning independently of causing seizures.

However, there is some overlap. Both traumatic brain injury and epilepsy can take a heavy emotional toll and impact quality of life. Additionally, epilepsy itself can lead to mood and behavioral changes, including:

- Irritability or aggression
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings
- Changes in emotional regulation

So in your acquaintance's relative's case, the personality changes could stem from:

1. Direct damage to brain areas controlling behavior and emotions from the injury itself
2. The psychological and emotional impact of living with epilepsy
3. A combination of both factors

Even mild traumatic brain injuries can increase the likelihood of psychiatric diagnoses and psychosocial challenges. The brain areas affected by the injury play a significant role in determining what changes occur.

February 25