TBI Lawyer

Living with Amnesia

One of the known side-effects of traumatic brain injury is Amnesia. Amnesia can be temporary, lasting from several days to several months, or permanent, forcing the individual to cope with the consequences of having a failing memory.

Living with Amnesia can be extremely difficult. It interrupts the everyday simplicities of life with intense complexities, the consequences of which can take a toll on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and plain functionality. Victims of amnesia often cannot remember what they did five minutes ago. Sometimes, they forget the identities of very close friends or coworker with whom they have shared countless experiences with. Even very significant events like a marriage ceremony or the birth of a child may be completely forgotten. For example, former president Ronald Reagan forgot that he had served as United States President, often confused why strangers wanted to shake his hand or waved at him while he walked in the street.

It can be frustrating to have to constantly write notes to oneself in order not to forget a recent past event. The strain on interpersonal relationships can cause some people to give up on them. The best thing to do in the event that you or a loved on is suffering from a form of amnesia is to seek professional help. Some psychotherapy techniques can help develop ways to work around forgetfulness using other areas of the brain, like muscle memory and habitual actions.

Most traumatic brain injuries can be avoided if the right steps are taken. In the cases where this is not true, there are ways to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If you or someone you know is suffering from Amnesia, as a result of traumatic brain injury, contact the traumatic brain injury specialist at the Williams Kherkher law firm by calling 866.950.9000.