QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
When I was fifteen I was struck by a car. It resulted in me being in a week long coma. Can BPD be a result of this kind of head injury? As a result of the accident, I also have physical problems. I have epilepsy and narcolepsy. Can you tell me what is the relationship between these illnesses and BPD?
Thank you.
ANSWER:
The BPD can indeed be caused or worsened by a head injury. During the many BPD support groups I ran, approximately 1/3 had significant head injuries in their past. I believe the BPD is caused by damage to the brain’s instinctual trapped, cornered, wounded animal response – located within the limbic system, and is likely a form of epilepsy (nerve cells firing inappropriately and out of control). I don’t know of any link with narcolepsy and the BPD.