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By the very nature of the brain itself, consequences following encephalitis can
be potentially considerably broader than for any other single organ. The brain through
the central and peripheral nervous systems controls all of the systems which make
up the body. This inevitably means that representations from many disciplines are
required to tackle the potential consequences.
Impulsivity
Injury to the Frontal Lobes can affect the area of the brain that normally controls
our impulses. This inability to control urges cacan lead to impulsive and often
inappropriate social behaviour. For example a previously shy person may become quite
extroverted and talkative if the brain injury has led to mild Disinhibition. When
this inability to control urges is more marked it may lead to a normally reserved,
polite person making crude or sexually inappropriate comments to strangers following
a brain injury.
When other people do not understand the reasons for this behaviour it often leads
to rejection and criticism from others. Impulsivity can therefore lead to Social
isolation as the person alienates existing friendships and cannot make new ones.
This is taken from the
Brain Injury Association of Queensland fact sheet on impulsivity
Sexual Changes
Acquired Brain Injury can have a number of consequences for an individual’s sexual
functioning. Talking about sex can be embarrassing, but it is important for the
person with brain injury and their loved ones to discuss the various issues.
This is taken from the
Brain Injury Association of Queensland fact sheet on sexual changes
Last modified: March 2009