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How does Trauma affect the Brain?

Nov 7, 20244 min read

By Miruna-Maria Cozma


Introduction:

Trauma isn't limited to war zones or violent situations; it can also stem from our relationships. Sometimes, the initial trauma response persists, making it difficult for us to function as we would like. Trauma can alter our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for an extended period. Many people may experience flashbacks, nightmares, constant anxiety, feelings of isolation, anger, intrusive thoughts, self-destructive behaviors, and more. While these reactions are normal, they may not naturally fade away. The good news is that seemingly permanent patterns can be reversed with the right approach and knowledge, allowing the brain to shift toward healing. However, it can be challenging to move forward without first understanding how and why these changes occur.

Memories are stored uniquely during a traumatic experience. They are not linearly stored in the brain, gaps in memory exist, and details that are closely related to fear are more likely to be remembered than peripheral details. Contextual and time-sequence information are frequently not accurately encoded. It is not a deliberate decision made by a survivor about what to pay attention to or recall during an assault, it is a rather typical effect on the brain when the survival response of "fear circuitry" is activated.

Brain’s response to the Trauma:

Many individuals are aware of the "fight or flight" response, but studies have shown that there is also a third reaction known as "freeze." This response, often seen in situations such as a deer in headlights, is a common fear response shared by humans.

Trauma significantly impacts three essential areas of the brain: the amygdala, which is responsible for emotions and instincts; the hippocampus, which controls memory; and the prefrontal cortex, which regulates emotions and impulses. The prefrontal crust is part of the brain's decision-making -  it is the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking, planning effective reactions, and remembering important information. The cortex begins to work less efficiently, which might cause a person not to be able to rethink the situation in the middle of the injury and make decisions such as the call for help.

These three parts collaborate to manage stress. When reminded of a traumatic experience, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, mimicking the response to the initial trauma. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex is suppressed, leading to a lack of fear control and a reactive state. Furthermore, trauma reduces hippocampus activity, affecting its ability to differentiate between past and present, causing the brain to perceive triggers of traumatic memories as threats. This can result in a state of hypervigilance, impacting memory and impulse control, and leading to heightened emotional reactivity.

Healing the pain:

To pacify the inner parts of the brain, we begin with a technique called "bottom-up processing" by using therapies that relax and comfort the body. If a person is in an activated or hyperarousal state, it is not recommended to inquire about trauma as it may increase distress and reinforce the trauma in the limbic system. The objective of therapeutic interventions is to restore oxygen and blood circulation to the brain to facilitate relaxation of the body and access the brain's higher regions.

Trauma may appear to cause permanent damage to the brain, but in reality, our brains possess remarkable adaptability. Neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's capacity to establish new connections, is the key to rewiring our brains and reversing the detrimental effects of trauma. Despite the challenging nature of overcoming trauma, individuals are capable of altering the brain's functioning by creating new pathways, enhancing specific functions, and strengthening connections. This process mirrors the mechanism through which we evolve and develop through learning experiences.

Talking therapy is effective when the brain is active and operational, but if traumatic memories take over the rational part of the brain, individuals may struggle to process words or logic and understand their experiences. When the inner parts of the brain are in distress like this, individuals are transported back to the trauma and it feels as though their brain and body are stuck in a time loop.

Other efficient ways of treatment:

  1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR)

EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation to activate both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. At first, this was accomplished by having an individual track a therapist's finger moving back and forth within their field of vision.

This back-and-forth motion helps merge a looping traumatic memory in the emotional brain with the cognitive brain. Eye and brain movement enhances the prefrontal cortex's ability to process the traumatic event and engage in rational thinking.

  1. Therapy based on sensory and motor responses:

Sensorimotor methods are beneficial for calming the limbic system as well. Sensorimotor therapy involves the therapist assisting individuals in recognizing sensory body reactions and being connected with their body's signals to promote healing. It involves utilizing both the body and the mind during the healing journey.

  1. Additional options for calming the limbic system include relaxing music, prayer, meditation, focused breathing, yoga, and physical activity.

  2. Engaging in these basic tasks can promote emotional soothing in the limbic system.

  3. Allocate 5 minutes in the morning and evening to sway gently in a rocking motion, either backward and forward, or from side to side, while simply observing and releasing tension in the body.

  4. Discover music or melodies, with or without lyrics, that help you achieve a sense of relaxation.

  5. Engage in deep breathing in sets of three. For example, you could take deep breaths repeatedly. Take a break. Inhale, exhale, inhale, and repeat the process.

  6. Engage in 12-15 minutes of daily exercise to boost serotonin and dopamine levels.

  7. Engage in 5-10 minutes daily of prayer or meditation, because the spiritual center of the brain has the power to impact and soothe the deeper parts of the brain.



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