What Happens If the Limbic System Is Damaged?

If the limbic system is damaged, it could affect the patient’s:

• Emotions
• Behaviors, risk-taking, and decision-making
• Memory

The specific symptoms and complications of limbic system damage depend on the structures that were damaged (e.g., amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, etc.).

Effects of Limbic System Damage on Emotions

Damage to the hypothalamus may affect the production of certain hormones including those that could affect mood and emotion. For example, high levels of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone could cause fatigue and depression, according to the Endocrine Society.

Damage to the structures comprising the limbic system may also affect certain emotions, including aggression, anxiety, pleasure, and anger.

Effects of Limbic System Damage on Behavior

Patients who suffer damage to the amygdala – a brain structure located in the temporal lobe that plays a role in decision-making and emotions – may take bigger risks according to a study outlined in Scientific American. A study in the journal Human Brain Mapping found that amygdala damage could affect fear processing as well.

Effects of Limbic System Damage on Memory

Damage to certain structures in the limbic system could affect the patient’s memory and ability to learn. For example, one study in the journal Science found patients with amygdala and hippocampus damage experienced deficits in learning and memory.

Grounds for Filing a Lawsuit for Limbic System Damage

If you suffered an injury or are the victim of medical malpractice that caused damage to your limbic system, you may have grounds to take legal action. To hold a defendant liable for damage to the limbic system, your case must establish:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a duty to prevent harm or not place you at risk of injury (e.g., doctor-patient relationship, duty to drive safely, duty to consumer safety).
• Negligence: The defendant acted carelessly or recklessly. In some product liability cases, you may not have to establish negligence, but rather you may establish that a product was defective in some way.
• Causation: The defendant’s negligence caused your limbic system damage and other injuries.
• Damages: You suffered damages related to the injury caused by the defendant.

A lawyer can help you establish that the defendant is liable for your limbic system damage and other injuries. For example, we can help you establish that a doctor is liable for negligently prescribing or administering opioids if the opioids damaged your central nervous system and brain in a way that caused serious harm. In this case, you may qualify to sue your doctor for brain injuries caused by the opioid prescription.

Recoverable damages could include:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Where to Get Legal Help for a Brain Injury Lawsuit

If you suffered brain injuries due to another party’s negligence, call 866-611-BASC to secure legal help from a lawyer at Newsome Melton. We handle complex civil litigation related to product liability, medical malpractice, and personal injury. We can hold the defendant accountable for your injuries and damages.