Symptom 7. Sudden Mood or Behavioral Changes – A Subtle Shift
Another symptom not often associated with cerebrovascular diseases, but indeed quite indicative, is a sudden change in mood or behavior. This could be demonstrated through increased irritability, sudden sadness, or inexplicable happiness. These changes can be perplexing both to the individual experiencing them and to those around them.
These mood and behavior changes occur due to an interruption of blood flow to the areas of the brain that control emotions and behavior. Depending on the affected brain area, an individual’s personality could drastically shift, making them behave uncharacteristically or display emotions that don’t align with the situation at hand.
Moreover, individuals might also struggle with understanding or controlling their emotions, leading to seemingly disproportionate reactions to everyday situations. These changes can be quite challenging for individuals and their families to cope with, and they may require professional help to manage effectively. (7)
