Although some of these feelings could be attributed to the person’s life changes after a major injury, it is now known that brain injuries cause changes in the brain’s structure and function. These changes predispose those with brain injuries to depression. Infants and children who suffered an injury could be more at risk of developing depression later in their lives. These individuals could develop symptoms years or even decades after their original injury.
Depression and the Brain
Physical changes in the cerebrum may be responsible for depressed moods. A person’s moods are controlled mainly through the amygdala, part of the limbic system located near the hippocampus in the cerebrum. The amygdala areas are active in times of anxiety, stress, and depression. The limbic system is complex, and any changes to it can cause disturbances in a person’s moods. The system relies on neurotransmitters and neurons to transfer chemical messages throughout the brain. The messages are normally transmitted smoothly between neurons; however, when there is damage it may impede the proper transmittal of messages.
Researchers have found that transmitters play a part in depression, but their full role is still not completely clear. There is some link between serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in relation to depressed moods. There are some medications that are used to change the levels of these neurotransmitters, but the results are often variable from person to person. This makes it difficult for doctors to know which medications are working to reduce depression. Sometimes trial and error is necessary to find a medication and level that works best for the individual.
Pseudobulbar Affect
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) is a neurological disorder that results in sudden and involuntary bouts of crying or laughing. It affects some people who have suffered from brain injuries. While most people respond appropriately with their emotions for those with PBA their emotions do not match their feelings. It is characterized by unusual outbursts of crying, laughing or anger that could happen as frequently as a few times a day.
PBA could be caused by damage that has occurred to the pre-frontal cortex of the cerebrum. This is the area that controls the emotions. Damage could be caused by disease or by injury to that part of the brain. Parents of children who suffered an injury should watch for these symptoms. An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures brain activity and could be used to more accurately diagnose PBA and other problems.
Parents of children who suffered birth brain injuries need to observe their child’s emotions as well as their physical and cognitive well-being. Evaluations can be made to better assess the child’s symptoms and to determine a treatment plan that is best for the child.
