Is PTSD Directly Caused by Brain Injuries?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a violent act or severe physical trauma, like oxygen deprivation for an extended period of time. The consequences of a TBI can vary dramatically, such as memory loss, total loss of motor control, uncontrolled mood swings, and chronic headaches. With the symptoms of a TBI being so varied, is it possible for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to be caused by a brain injury?

At this point, research indicates that PTSD and TBI are correlated at most. A direct link between PTSD and TBI has not been concretely established.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is characterized by high or crippling anxiety triggered by memories of a specific traumatizing event or time of one’s life. For example, someone who was in a devastating accident with a red commercial truck may become overwhelmed with anxiety at just the sight of a red big rig, or at the sound of a tractor trailer’s horn. The traumatic incident has been tied closely to key details in their mind, which triggers PTSD spells. However, PTSD is also often accompanied by major depression.

Why is PTSD Associated with Brain Injuries?

If a TBI is not the cause of PTSD, why do many people assume it is caused by a brain injury? The answer lies in the fact that many traumatizing events are violent and life-threatening in nature, like a fatal car accident or wartime conflict. When someone is caught in such an accident or attack, the likelihood of being severely injured, such as a brain injury, is high. Even with professional assistance from therapists and other coping mechanisms in place, the odds of becoming traumatized, or developing PTSD, following the incident is also steep.

Seeking Compensation After TBI & PTSD

Do you suffer from PTSD and a TBI after an accident caused by a negligent third party? You deserve and need ample compensation to keep you financially stable as you recover and to help you find peace of mind again. Knowing that some sort of closure and justice followed your harrowing experience can be a boon for your mental health and sense of security.

Habbas & Associates is a team of San Jose personal injury attorneys who proudly stand for the wrongfully injured throughout the Bay Area. Thanks to our steadfast representation and commitment to doing the right thing, we have been able to secure millions of dollars for our clients in successful case results throughout the years. Find out what we can do for you and your brain injury claim by contacting our law firm now.