Brain Injuries and Poor Judgment

Poor judgment is one of the results of inadequate cognitive functioning following an injury to the frontal lobe. This deficit can involve many aspects of a person's life, including the situations mentioned below:

- When handling a motor vehicle of any kind, someone exhibiting poor judgment may place themselves, and others, in a dangerous situation because of their cognitive deficits. Those with frontal lobe injuries may not drive defensively or anticipate the actions of other drivers. They may tailgate, and possibly not realize the importance of signaling in an appropriate time to be able to safely make turns, particularly when turning left. Other potential problems could be not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic or going faster than the posted speed limits. Some may drive aggressively and as a result become rude as well as a dangerous driver. They may also decide that it is not necessary to wear appropriate seat belts or helmets thereby placing themselves at risk.

- Poor judgment may also involve excessive use of alcohol or non-prescription drugs. While using these substances they may become impulsive, place themselves and others at risk, act before thinking, perceive and interpret their surroundings in a different way than reality indicates, and not understand the possible consequences of their actions.

- Other examples of this deficit may be indicated by improper behaviour which may include inappropriate touching or sexual innuendoes. Some survivors may have difficulty understanding cause and effect and may have problems with their reasoning abilities. And many will have problems learning from their past mistakes.

- Social situations may also be difficult for some brain injury survivors. Some may possibly behave in an inappropriate manner by being rude, disrespectful of another's personal space, make inappropriate comments, or dominate a conversation. They may also have poor social skills and problems with communication.

There are other ways where poor judgment may become a problem following a brain injury but the ones listed above are quite often the main concerns.