Both physical and emotional traumas are hard on the brain since the brain has to fire many neural impulses to realize the pain and angst that the trauma causes. Repeated trauma can even change the biology of the brain and can shrink or enlarge some actual physical parts of the brain. These physical changes are the main reason that many people with traumatic past experience post-traumatic stress with severe symptoms.
In this article, we are shedding some light on how trauma changes the human brain and what are some of its repercussions.
Fight or Flight System
The main part of the brain which gets impacted by trauma is the one which control fight or flight response which is mostly concentrated in the prefrontal cortex. When the trauma actually happens, the fight or flight response is activated. The situation is however such that even if the brain is signaling flight, the body goes numb because of the intensity of the situation.
On other occasions, the brain might start signaling flight but the situation might not allow the physical realization of it. As a result, this part of the brain gets damaged for good in the sense that the threshold on which the fight or flight response should be activated becomes very low. So people with post-traumatic stress disorder become paranoid and get triggered on slightest abruptions that might occur in their surroundings.
The fight or flight response is not easy on the body since it not only raises the heart beat but also sends a rush of adrenaline throughout the body. Experiencing fight or flight in stressful situations is helpful but in normal situations it can make a person act weird and can also be exhaustive.
What can help?
Although trauma impacts the brain in a very physical manner, all hope is still not lost. Training with a psychologist can bring the brain back on normal threshold. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been very successful in treating patients of trauma. If you or a loved one is suffering from post-traumatic stress, you should see a psychologist as soon as possible.
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This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find the best psychiatrist in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and book an appointment online.
