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Head Injury and Anxiety Relationship Proven

Head Injuries can cause anxiety. Those of us with TBI suspected as much, but now it's been proven. Learn the latest research about head injury and anxiety at HealthyPlace. Concussions do cause anxiety, and here's why.

Head injury and anxiety (and other mental health-related consequences like depression and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) are related, and neuroscientists are increasingly understanding and able to explain why. What they are discovering is that concussions can cause new anxiety, and they can worsen existing anxiety. This relationship between head injury and anxiety is important.


A head injury that is diagnosed as a concussion results from an impact to the head and is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). They’re only “mild” in that they’re not immediately life-threatening. However, concussions are serious and can have long-term consequences to our mental health--including our anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety After a Head Injury

Whether you’ve experienced anxiety for some time before your head injury or anxiety is new to you after sustaining the injury, the symptoms can be similar. Anxiety symptoms post-TBI can include, but aren’t limited to:

  • A vague, unsettled feeling that doesn’t subside or subsides only to return
  • Restlessness, feeling keyed-up or on edge
  • A feeling like you’re going to jump out of your skin
  • An inability to be still
  • Racing thoughts
  • A headache or burning sensation (a symptom of brain injury and/or complications, headache should be evaluated by a doctor)
  • Excessive worry about other symptoms of brain injury
  • Fear of re-injury and of returning to what caused your concussion
  • Generalized anxiety, including “what-ifs” about your future with a brain injury

Proven Connection Between Brain Injury and Anxiety

Until recently, many professionals didn’t officially acknowledge a connection between anxiety and head injury because there was no definitive proof that they could see that brain injury could cause anxiety. Anxiety was sometimes attributed to “just worrying too much” and dismissed. To be sure, many felt that it was logical that a connection existed, but without proof, they couldn’t act on it.

I think that most people who experienced anxiety after a brain injury, myself included, would be able to verify that the relationship between head injury and anxiety does exist. Finally, research is catching up with what TBI survivors have known all along: concussion damage the brain in a way that causes anxiety.

The brain can be damaged in different ways (Brouhard, R.), all of which involve shearing, tearing, or twisting of tissue, and at the neurological level, axons, and dendrites. When there is damage in parts of the brain that are implicated in anxiety, existing anxiety might worsen and new anxiety might develop.

In 2015, researchers were able to see brain damage that caused anxiety by using a type of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging to compare the brains of concussion patients who experienced anxiety with concussion sufferers who did not (everybody’s concussion effects are unique).

Not surprisingly, the imaging showed damage in brains of the people who experienced anxiety. There’s an area of the brain called the vermis, and the functioning of the white matter in this area was seen to be impaired (Cara, E.).

Those of us who’ve experienced both have probably always known that there’s a relationship between head injury and anxiety. Finally, neuroscientists are seeing it for themselves and learning why. This could lead to new and better treatments for concussion-related anxiety.

Sources

Brouhard, R. (2017.) The Difference Between Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Verywell.

Cara, E. (2015). People Who Suffer Depression and Anxiety after a Traumatic Brain Injury May Have Damaged White Matter. Medical Daily.

 

 

APA Reference
Peterson, T. (2018, March 15). Head Injury and Anxiety Relationship Proven, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2018/03/proven-the-relationship-between-concussion-and-anxiety



Author: Tanya J. Peterson, MS, NCC, DAIS

Tanya J. Peterson is the author of numerous anxiety self-help books, including The Morning Magic 5-Minute Journal, The Mindful Path Through Anxiety, 101 Ways to Help Stop Anxiety, The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal, The Mindfulness Journal for Anxiety, The Mindfulness Workbook for Anxiety, and Break Free: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 3 steps. She has also written five critically acclaimed, award-winning novels about life with mental health challenges. She delivers workshops for all ages and provides online and in-person mental health education for youth. She has shared information about creating a quality life on podcasts, summits, print and online interviews and articles, and at speaking events. Tanya is a Diplomate of the American Institution of Stress helping to educate others about stress and provide useful tools for handling it well in order to live a healthy and vibrant life. Find her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Becky Dufresne
September, 2 2019 at 1:43 pm

I have an existing anxiety disorder and take meds. In July I fell and got 2 concussions in 7 days. Lately my anxiety has been out of control and I can not relax. Any suggestion?

September, 3 2019 at 5:53 pm

Hi Becky,
Concussions can definitely worsen existing anxiety. An inability to relax is a common experience with both concussions and anxiety, and you are experiencing a double whammy. Sometimes, "actively" relaxing can be helpful. Doing something to release the tension and all other physical symptoms can help mind and body relax enough to pursue other anxiety-reducing activities. Concussions limit the physical activities we can do, of course, so choose activities that don't aggravate your brain (no jumping rope or jumping on trampolines or playing any sort of contact sports!). You might kick a ball in a garage or against the side of the house, swim laps at a pool, or any other repetitive, physical activity that won't worsen your concussion (talking to your doctor before you begin is a good idea).
Then, after you've released some tension and anxiety, your mind and body might be more ready to benefit from relaxing activities. Have several things available that you would enjoy doing, like coloring, rock painting, any sort of craft projects, etc. Listening to calming, relaxing music while you're engaging in the project can help. If one doesn't work at any given time, try another. It can take a while to settle in and relax, but it can happen. Be patient with yourself, and don't give up on the activities you choose. Also, know, too, that both anxiety and concussions do get better, and so will your quality of life.

Robert Pulver
July, 11 2019 at 4:06 pm

I am over a year out from my concussion, but still with daily anxiety post concussion mostly related to fear of re-injury so I am very protective of my head. I am high functioning so I am past the point of rest. I am able to exercise and function in daily life, but wish I could get rid of this anxiety surrounding my head. I have sought out help from my PCP, neurologist, psychiatrist with no help. I have recently found a vision therapist reading that there can be a correlation with anxiety and vision and hoping that would help. Any other advice or tips you may have?

July, 12 2019 at 1:46 pm

Hi Robert,
I'm sorry about your continued challenges with post-concussion anxiety. I can very much relate to your description of your experience with various doctors. Too often, being high functioning actually gets in the way of treatment. Yet being high functioning is desirable. It becomes a matter of discovering ways to address it on your own -- which you are. Regarding professionals, have you tried a counselor/therapist? They don't deal with medical diagnoses and treatments, which means they'll help you with your anxiety and worries about re-injury. This kind of therapy helps people sort things out and customize a plan for either eliminating anxiety or developing strategies to stop the fear from interfering in your life. Also, you can do things on your own to reduce your fear and anxiety. One effective way to deal with this type of reality-based fear is to write it down, dive into the specifics of it, and challenge it. For example, in what situations do you experience your anxiety? Rate them on a scale from 1-10 to untangle the general fear/anxiety and notice when it is better and when it is worse. Then, identify a situation near the low end of your list (jumping in at the top is often overwhelming. The idea is to gradually minimize the fear of re-injury rather than making it worse). Gradually allow yourself to experience the worrisome situation. Be there just past the point of feeling uncomfortable, then leave or stop what you're doing. Day by day, increase the time spent with this activity until it doesn't bother you as much. Write down what it was like, how you felt, what you were thinking, etc. Then proceed to another activity or situation. You might encounter a similar procedure when working with a therapist. You'll also learn other things, both new thoughts and actions, to shrink this very normal anxiety and stop it from bothering you so much. One more quick thing: there is absolutely a correlation between concussion, anxiety, and vision (I know this from experience as well as reading articles and studies). I hope the eye doctor can help. Don't give up your journey to reduce this anxiety. Frustratingly, concussion sequalae can last well beyond a year. But that doesn't mean it's permanent.

Francesca Eyre
June, 19 2019 at 3:16 am

I was a fit female. I had a bike accident in may during a 300km race and have a blank of 12 days. I was in hospital, broke facial bones, have fractured a disk in my spine, incurred a concussion and I now have huge anxiety. I run a hotel so this has never been an issue before. I feel as if I'm going nuts, do.i accept and wait or is this normal? This was nearly 2 months ago. can they diagnose something? This is totally out of character for me

June, 19 2019 at 11:27 am

Hi Francesca,
What an ordeal you experienced and are continuing to experience. I'm sorry that you're going through this. Anxiety after a brain injury is very common. While the healing process tends to be a waiting game, there are things you can do. One of the biggest things is rest. I'm sure that's hard to do when running a hotel. Rest doesn't have to mean lying down in a dark room for hours. It's just important to give your brain a break from thinking, stress, bright lights, and noises periodically throughout your day. Two months is actually not much time at all when it comes to healing the brain and reducing the anxiety that accompanies concussions. Taking even five-minute breaks every hour or two (I really do know how difficult that is, but if you schedule it in it becomes more doable) helps the brain (and accompanying anxiety) recover. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, concentrating on the feel and sound of your breath--and when your mind wanders, simply return to the breath). You can also practice mindfulness, just noting what you see, hear, and feel without judging it, and again, when your mind wanders just return to your senses). Walking helps, too, as does eating nutritiously and avoiding junk foods and fast food. Given that you're a cyclist you probably know that. All of the activities I mentioned work for both concussion and anxiety. As far as diagnosing, I didn't have luck with that. Doctors looked for structural damage, bleeding, etc., and when they couldn't find that they couldn't do anything else. My anxiety was seen as separate from the injury. Granted, that was 15 years ago and things might have changed. Researchers are learning more and more about brain injury and its impact on the whole person, including mental health. It might be worth it to talk with your regular doctor about what you're experiencing and see what he/she has to say. It's frustrating that recovering from all aspects of a concussion, including anxiety) takes so much time. Be patient with yourself in the process. Your anxiety doesn't have to stay this way.

Helen
July, 3 2022 at 9:32 am

I found out that after a brain injury you become deficient in magnesium. your brain needs lots of it to heal. Anyone reading this who has had TBI do consider buying some magnesium citrate

Louise Tanner
December, 10 2018 at 6:30 am

What an informative article. There really isn’t enough information out there about the link. I fell and concussedmyself 3 months ago and even though the symptoms have been horrendous, I am now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, although I do still have blips with regards to anxiety! It is such a relief to be able to reason with myself that it’s a ‘normal’ occurrence after an accident. Thank you

December, 12 2018 at 12:32 pm

Hi Louise,
I'm so glad that you're seeing the light at the end of what can be a long, dark tunnel with concussions/brain injuries! I'm hoping that many people read your comment so they can be encouraged that the brain does heal. I still have anxiety blips, too (14 years after the injury), but knowing what they are and knowing what to do about them really minimizes them. When they happen, they're just something I notice in the background rather than episodes of anxiety that interfere in my life. So know, too, that even if blips appear from time to time, they don't have to bother you. Keep on healing! :)

Eamonn
October, 23 2018 at 1:33 pm

Hi Tanya, I've just read your post as I suffered a concussion in march and had PCS for a few months following. I experienced awful anxiety and even 7 months on the anxiety is still very strong and debilitating. This post has just confirmed to me what i have believed about the links between TBI and Anxiety as before it i would say my baseline levels were "normal'. I am yet to read further post but thats exactly what i'll be doing as the information surrounding PCS/concussions are so limited in the UK, you can't help but feel like you're going it alone. Thank You and Best regards. Eamonn

October, 24 2018 at 5:19 pm

Hello Eamonn,
I'm sorry about your concussion, PCS, and anxiety. I'm glad that this information was helpful (and your comment reminds me that I want to write more on this, as it's such a common problem but so little is known about it so too many people feel alone and stuck). Be patient with yourself, as the brain needs time and TLC to heal. Anxiety can linger for quite some time after other symptoms have settled down. That doesn't mean that you're doomed to live with it for the rest of your life. You can return to your baseline.

Maria Houston
March, 28 2018 at 8:51 pm

I was hit by a baseball bat when I was 3 years old. Lots of bleeding and stitches. I've had OCD and depression ever since. I'm now 59 years old. There's got to be a connection. Can anyone relate? Maria

Zach
March, 27 2018 at 12:01 pm

What would you recommend to someone who is experiencing anxiety from a concussion?

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

March, 28 2018 at 9:42 am

Hi Zach,
Resting helps many effects of concussion, including anxiety. At the very least, try to restrict screen time (TV, computer, phone, video games, etc.) as these can be irritating and agitating. Doctors typically recommend this, but many don't realize the importance of restricting screen use in helping anxiety. Calming your brain in other ways, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga (but avoid poses that cause headache, dizziness, or nausea). In general the first step with concussion-related anxiety is to soothe the brain. Take care of your physical health to help your mental health. Soothing the brain soothes anxiety. There are other steps you can take, but taking on too many things at once actually increases anxiety. Above all, be patient with yourself. The anxiety can absolutely get better, but when a concussion is involved, it sometimes takes longer.

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