When I was 14 I suffered a skull fracture. I am 28 now and suffer from anxiety and depression, also bad migraines from time to time where my vision is blurred and speech is slurred. I was just wondering if a head injury has been linked to anxiety or depression.
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Q: Can a skull fracture lead to anxiety later in life?
Answers (3)
5/ 9/08 6:58am
Hi,
Yes, there is evidence that links brain trauma with anxiety and anxiety-related states. You refer to a fractured skull, but I wonder if the issue you are asking about is the resulting trauma to the brain? Brain trauma's vary in scale from the mild to the severe.
However, unless your psychological symptoms occured at or just after your injury it is more difficult to see a connection between the two events. If your symptoms are more recent I would suggest they may not be related. In either event I think you will find that treatment will be helpful.
5/ 7/08 2:28pm
Hi BluEyz_LA,
I am not sure if a skull fracture can cause anxiety later in life, but it makes sense that any trauma to the body would give a person cause for anxiety for many reasons. It's possible the fracture is part of the reason you suffer from migraines. When you feel a migraine coming on, you automatically go into anxiety mode because you know what is coming and that expectation can cause the anxiety attack.
There is an interesting article here about people who suffer from some trauma might exhibit symptoms of depression years later. Whether the depression was untreated from before, or developed as a result of the trauma is unknown. Could be that the same applies to head trauma and anxiety?
Online help sites like Health Central are great for getting information that helps you manage and maintain your own health through the help of your doctor. It should never be taken as a replacement for your docotor's solid medical care.
Hopefully this will help. Take care and stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
5/ 4/10 2:42am
I live with a man who was in a car crash 20 years ago he cracked his skull to the front of his head he is in his late 40's now and suffers with strange moods that range from moody forgetfullness arguementative paranoia depression and blurred speech at times. He will not seek help he thinks its me when he causes arguements. I do believe a cracked skull damages parts of the brain but how can you help someone that cant see it... Our relationship is nearly over. Please seek help.
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