Life after serious brain injury?

Question

I'm writing a story about a man in his mid-twenties who attempts suicide by shooting himself in the head, and survives.

What would his life be like after suffering the severe brain injury that is nearly certain to occur with a bullet in his brain? Would a normallife ever be possible again? Would memory loss occur? Would advanced brain function or even speech be possible?

Please, be as detailed with me as you can, including (if you can, of course) even the details such as gun positioning could impact him.(I'm sure hitting different parts of the brain could do different things...)

As you can tell, I am hardly knowledgable on the subject, but I am really eager to get this right.

If you're a doctor/have extensive knowledge on this subject/etc. and are willing to talk in greater lengths with me please e-mail me at [e-mail].

Thanks!

Answer 1

Caroline, why would you want to write about that ? Wouldn't it be better and more healthy for all of us, if you wrote about someone

-who chose not shoot himself in the head

-who realised that it's only a temporary bad space and circumstances that he's in

-who's realised that he can have hope for the future

-who's realised how his action is going to impact devestatingly on his friends and family.

Having even a minor head injury changes someone's life radically and I speak from personal experience. I wish you'd re-think your choice of story line.

Answer 2

I know of a man who went through the type of situation you're speaking of and he now lives in a group home with 24 hour care. He lost teeth, an eye, and the parts of his brain responsible for impulse control. Although he is physically capable of completing daily living tasks, he wouldn't be able to remember or follow through on his own. He is highly unpredictable and has memory and sensory problems as well.

This is a very serious subject, I appreciate your taking the time to get your facts straight. What you write could someday keep someone from making this decision.

There is also a wealth of information on treatment and life after brain injury at this site: http://www.brainandspinalcord.org

Answer 3

I am familiar with this subject but it takes much time to fully explain it.  Rather, here is a link that can be a starter for you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_lobes

P.s. Do not focus on the Insula much.

Answer 4

You chose an interesting topic. Good for you for wanting to do some research. In 2002 I had a cerebral aneurysm and had a clip put in my brain. There were all kinds of nasty things that could have happened and my family was made aware of them. Turns out I fooled them and am living a normal life. Anyway, that is my personal experience.