Yes, a head injury can increase the chance of developing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In some cases, injury to your brain’s frontal lobe area can lead to temporary psychosis symptoms.

A head injury leading to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be more likely to occur in:

  • people with a severe head injury
  • those with a family history of schizophrenia
  • older adults
  • women than men

Any significant brain injury can lead to schizophrenia symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations.

It can also increase the chance of developing a reduced ability to think, such as a lower attention span and difficulty remembering things. Psychiatric conditions may occur as well, such as:

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • bipolar disorder

If you have any of the following symptoms after a head injury or concussion, contact healthcare support or have someone do it for you.

  • vomiting
  • behavior changes, such as irritability
  • a headache that doesn’t go away after taking pain relief medications
  • difficulty remembering things

Get medical help right away or ask somebody to get it if you pass out and then wake up.

If you get a head injury, call a doctor or ask someone to call for you. A doctor can monitor your symptoms and provide needed treatment.

Delaying medical support after a head injury can increase your risk of complications, such as a stroke or coma.

You can take care of yourself after a head injury in several ways, such as:

  • placing an ice pack on the area regularly and for short periods
  • getting enough rest
  • taking pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil), if any pain arises

Learn more about a head injury.