What Happens to Behavior After a Brain Injury?


Chapter 2: Biopsychology

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe how concussions can affect brain function and behavior
  • Identify brain regions commonly impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Apply psychological reasoning to real-world scenarios involving post-concussion changes

Key Terms

amygdala
structure in the limbic system involved in our experience of emotion and tying emotional meaning to our memories
frontal lobe
part of the cerebral cortex involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language; contains motor cortex
hippocampus
structure in the temporal lobe associated with learning and memory

The Shift in Davi

Davi, a 19-year-old college soccer player, was known for being calm under pressure and a natural leader on the field. But after a collision during a game led to a diagnosed concussion, Davi's behavior began to change. Teammates noticed irritability, missed assignments, and social withdrawal. "I feel like I'm not myself," Davi confided to a roommate. "I know I'm acting different, but I don't know how to fix it."

A picture of a soccer cleat on a soccer ball

A psychology professor encouraged Davi to visit the campus health center. There, a clinician explained that even mild brain injuries can temporarily disrupt brain function, especially in areas like the frontal lobe and amygdala. These regions help regulate emotion, attention, and decision-making. Davi was relieved to learn that many symptoms improve with rest and support but also wondered: "What if this version of me doesn't go away?"

Over the next few weeks, Davi kept a journal of moods and behaviors. Patterns emerged such as irritability after long study sessions, difficulty focusing in noisy environments, and emotional outbursts during stressful moments. With help from a counselor and academic support, Davi began to understand how the brain was healing and how to manage the changes.

Navigate the Brain

Use this interactive brain map to see how traumatic brain injury affects different parts of the brain and how those changes can influence behavior, memory, and emotion.

1. On Your Own

Which of the following are common behavioral effects of a concussion? Select the two that apply.

What the Research Says

Concussions, even when classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), can disrupt the brain networks involved in attention, emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. These disruptions are often linked to temporary or prolonged changes in the frontal lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus. These regions play key roles in behavior, mood, and cognitive control.

A picture of human brain anatomy

A detailed anatomical illustration of the human brain, segmented into color-coded regions to distinguish various lobes and internal structures. The Frontal Lobe is shaded in blue, the Limbic Lobe in purple, the Parietal Lobe in green, the Occipital Lobe in pink, and the Cerebellum in brown. Fine lines extend from each labeled part to its corresponding location within the brain. Labeled structures include the Corpus Callosum, Thalamus, Optic Chiasma, Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland, Mammillary Body, Pons, Medulla Oblongata, Spinal Cord, and Pineal Gland.

Research shows that individuals may experience symptoms such as irritability, impulsivity, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. These behavioral changes can emerge days or even weeks after the injury and may fluctuate over time. In some cases, individuals also report changes in sleep patterns, increased sensitivity to noise or light, and difficulty managing stress.

While many people recover fully with rest and support, the brain's healing process varies. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and rewire, especially when recovery strategies are introduced early. However, repeated concussions or delayed treatment can increase the risk of persistent symptoms and long-term cognitive or emotional challenges.

Understanding these effects is essential for recognizing that concussions are not just physical injuries; they can also impact how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

Explore the Concept

This short, animated video explains what happens inside the brain during a concussion, how it affects behavior, and why rest and recovery are so important.

2. On Your Own

Imagine you're one of Davi's close friends. You've noticed changes in behavior since the concussion, but Davi hasn't said much about it. What would you do?

  • Would you bring it up directly?
  • Would you talk to a coach or professor?
  • Would you wait and hope it passes?

Explain your choice and how psychological knowledge about brain injury might guide your response. Remember to print your work before leaving this page!

From Injury to Insight

Davi decided to take a short break from soccer to focus on recovery. With support from professors, a counselor, and academic services, Davi gradually returned to regular routines. The experience helped Davi better understand the connection between brain health and behavior and how important it is to recognize and respond to signs of concussion early.

A picture of a doctor showing brain scans to a patient

Reflect & Respond

Answer the following questions to reflect on key ideas from the case study. Remember to print your work before leaving this page!

  1. Have you or someone close to you experienced a concussion? What changes did you notice in behavior, mood, or thinking?
  2. Why is it important to understand the psychological effects of brain injuries in addition to the physical symptoms?
  3. How might Davi's experience illustrate the connection between brain injury and changes in identity or self-perception?
  4. What role did psychological support and self-monitoring (like journaling) play in Davi's recovery process?
  5. If you were supporting someone like Davi, how could psychological knowledge about brain function guide your approach to empathy, communication, and advocacy? Think about how understanding the brain's role in emotion and behavior might influence how you respond to changes in a friend or teammate.

References

TED-Ed. (2017, July 27). What happens when you have a concussion? - Clifford Robbins [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvjK-4NXRsM

van der Vlegel, M., Polinder, S., Toet, H., Panneman, M. J. M., & Haagsma, J. A. (2021). Prevalence of post-concussion-like symptoms in the general injury population and the association with health-related quality of life, health care use, and return to work. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(4), Article 806. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040806
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0).

Photo Credits

pixfly on Adobe Stock. "feet of soccer player tread on soccer ball for kick-off in the stadium."

reineg on Adobe Stock. "Human brain anatomy."

Mark Adams on Adobe Stock. "Young african-american patient meeting with senior medical doctor about concussion. Elderly female doctor showing ct scans of patients brain."