How
is Memory Affected by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Memory is often affected
by traumatic brain injury. When the brain experiences a dramatic
injury, normal brain operations can become disrupted because the
typical neural pathways may not be capable of transferring data
as they once were. The results on memory can range from severe to
mild, and the amount of memory recovery can vary greatly depending
upon the severity of the injury and where the actual injury occurred.
Because memory is generally stored in the temporal lobe, if the
injury occurred to that portion of the brain then the memory recovery
may be more difficult. The brain is one of the most difficult portions
of the body to heal; however, the brain does manage to, in certain
cases, reallocate abilities and memories to other portions of the
brain following a traumatic brain injury.
Some of the types of memory loss that occur as a result of traumatic
brain injury are:
- Temporary amnesia – the victim may
forget incidents leading up to the accident and the accident
itself, but the memories may return at a later date. This may
be the result of edema, or swelling on the brain.
- Fixed Amnesia – The victim may forget
the accident and certain memories or even abilities may be lost.
- Anteretrograde amnesia – The victim
may have difficulty forming memories of incidents that occur
after the event.
Recovery of memories following a traumatic
brain injury may be a difficult process to go through. In the most
severe cases there may need to be rehabilitation in order for the
victim to relearn certain abilities. In other cases memories may
reappear without any warning. There have been certain cases where
physicians find it appropriate to prescribe certain medications
that are meant for Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative diseases.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury and feel that your
memory loss may be severe, or perhaps even worsening, than you should
contact your physician immediately and let him know what your concerns
are.
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