When someone survives a serious accident or incident - it’s often the visible injuries that receive the most immediate attention. But for many families and carers, the most challenging and distressing effects aren’t the physical ones, they’re the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) changes in personality, memory, and behaviour that can come from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These hidden consequences can deeply affect relationships, independence, and mental wellbeing.

At Switalskis, we work with families every day who are navigating life after brain injury. This article aims to offer understanding, empathy and guidance to anyone supporting a loved one through these complex changes.

The Brain and Its Impact on Who We Are

The brain is responsible not just for movement and speech, but for memory, judgement, impulse control, emotional responses and personality. When the brain is injured - particularly in areas like the frontal or temporal lobes, these functions can be disrupted in unpredictable ways.

Mark Hollinghurst, Head of Brain Injury Compensation at Switalskis comments:

“Clients often tell us that they expected the physical recovery to be the most challenging part. But it’s the changes in personality or behaviour that take them by surprise. It can feel like they’re a different person - that emotional toll is often the hardest thing for families to cope with.”

Common Changes After a Brain Injury

Personality Changes

After a TBI, some individuals become unusually passive, while others may become more impulsive or aggressive. It’s not uncommon to see a reduction in empathy, increased irritability, or a loss of inhibition. A person who was once outgoing might withdraw, while someone previously calm may now be quick to anger.

These changes are not deliberate. They are the result of damaged brain pathways and can be incredibly frustrating for both the survivor and those around them.

Memory Loss

Memory loss after TBI can range from mild forgetfulness to significant gaps in day-to-day recall. This can include:

• Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events
• Forgetting appointments or tasks
• Struggling to learn new information
• Confusion around time and sequence of events

This can leave individuals feeling disoriented or embarrassed and can place a significant burden on carers who have to repeat information or manage routines.

Behavioural Difficulties

Some individuals may act out of character or display challenging behaviour. This might involve:

• Risk-taking or poor decision-making
• Inappropriate social behaviour
• Obsessive or repetitive actions
• Lack of awareness about their own condition

What Families Can Do

Supporting someone through this kind of recovery takes immense patience, and it’s essential to get the right help - both for your loved one and for yourself.

Here are a few practical steps to consider:

• Seek specialist help: Neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, case managers and behavioural specialists can offer tailored strategies to manage change.
• Keep a routine: Predictability can reduce confusion and anxiety for those with memory or behavioural issues.
• Use memory aids: Calendars, alarms, visual reminders and written notes can all help with day-to-day functioning.
• Focus on what’s still there: Celebrate the parts of your loved one that remain. This might be their humour, their interests, or their kindness, even if it’s expressed differently.
• Access support groups: Connecting with others going through similar challenges can provide comfort, advice and practical resources.

You’re Not Alone

The emotional weight of witnessing these changes can be overwhelming. It's natural to grieve the version of your loved one before their injury while trying to accept who they are now. But there is support.

At Switalskis, our brain injury solicitors work with families not only to pursue compensation where it’s due, but to ensure you can access the long-term psychological, emotional and practical support you need. This can include funding for neurorehabilitation, therapy, specialist equipment and respite care.

Speak to Someone Who Understands

Whether you’re at the beginning of this journey or have been supporting a loved one for years, legal help can make a real difference in accessing the care and compensation you’re entitled to.

Call us today on 0800 1380 458 or contact us using the form below for a confidential conversation with one of our specialist brain injury solicitors.