Summary:
This article reviews the impact of trauma on the brain and explores different treatment options for reversing the impact that trauma can have on key cognitive functions.
Trauma affects the brain in many ways, interfering with the physical structure of the brain and how it functions. How trauma affects the brain is based on many factors, including the type of trauma, how much an individual has struggled with trauma in the past, whether it’s childhood or adult trauma, among other things.
How Trauma Affects the Brain
Trauma can affect the brain in many ways, such as memory loss, confusion, and even dizziness.
Research indicates that trauma is not a single event but rather an enduring event, one that can change the physical structure of the brain and the function of the brain. When an individual experiences trauma from a dangerous situation, learns about it affecting a loved one, or witnesses it in their environment, the limbic system can turn on a survival mechanism.
Changes to the Amygdala from Trauma
This mechanism is designed to get individuals out of immediate danger, but sometimes they get stuck in that state of stress, leading to changes in the amygdala.
The amygdala is the part of the brain that triggers an alarm system when danger is present. When an individual experiences trauma, especially unresolved or repeated trauma, it can cause this part of the brain to become physically larger and to signal danger more than it should. All of this leads to heightened anxiety and fear responses.
How Trauma Changes the Prefrontal Cortex
The counterpart to the amygdala is the prefrontal cortex, which is otherwise responsible for higher-level thinking, impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision making. During traumatic experiences, this part of the brain is inhibited and, over time, can physically shrink in size and function.
As the amygdala gets bigger and focuses on impulsive decisions based on strong emotional reactions, the prefrontal cortex can get smaller, making it more difficult to properly regulate emotions or think clearly.
Changes to the Hippocampus from Trauma
Finally, regular trauma can change the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for things like memory. When this happens, it can physically shrink in size, which means that the ability to store memories properly is damaged. This also makes it more difficult for an individual to differentiate between what’s real and what isn’t, what has already happened and is a memory versus what is happening now and is reality.
All of these changes to different parts of the brain result in hypersensitivity, problems forming safe relationships, storing proper memories, making decisions, and even relaxing. In many cases, this can lead to PTSD, anxiety, or depression without the right type of treatment.
Thankfully, these changes, the ways in which trauma affects the brain, can be reversed and repaired with the right type of therapy.
Getting Treatment for Trauma and the Brain at Sequoia Detox Centers
At Sequoia Detox Centers, we offer a full range of care that includes trauma treatment. This makes it possible for our clients to get the safe, supportive trauma care they need at each level, from detox to residential care and outpatient and aftercare.
Our team provides multiple levels of care, including outpatient trauma therapy for those struggling with addiction and the impact of trauma on the brain. With our inpatient or outpatient care, individuals can avoid retraumatization by working with trained professionals. We aim to ensure that all those clients in need receive trauma-informed care from well-trained staff in a supportive clinical environment.
Let our team help you better understand how trauma affects the brain and find the right course of action for help. Call us at 1-866-824-0709 to get started.
FAQ
Does Trauma Affect the Brain Permanently?
No, the brain has neuroplasticity, which means that it will repair itself and rebuild neural connections throughout its lifetime. Participating in the right type of therapy, like trauma-focused therapy, can help rewire the brain safely, making it easier to undo the changes caused by trauma.
What Parts of the Brain Are Most Heavily Impacted by Trauma?
Trauma impacts the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex most strongly. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for impulse control, rational thinking, and emotional regulation, so when this is hindered by trauma, it makes it harder to think logically, control emotional responses, and stay calm. The hippocampus manages emotions and memories, so if this shrinks because of trauma, it can be harder to feel safe, learn new information, and store memories. Finally, the amygdala is the alarm system, which means trauma can lead to a state of hypervigilance and anxiety because of rewiring to this part of the brain.
Can Trauma Affect the Brain Even If Someone Doesn’t Have PTSD?
Yes, recent research indicates that traumatic experiences can change how the brain works, even if someone doesn’t have ptsd. This means that an individual might have detrimental changes to their brain function after hearing about trauma associated with a loved one, witnessing trauma after a natural disaster, or experiencing a traumatic event that did not lead to PTSD directly.
How is Childhood Trauma Different From Adult Trauma?
Traumatic experiences during early childhood can affect the brain more strongly than those in adulthood because the brain is still developing. These instances, referred to as ” adverse childhood experiences,” often change the otherwise natural wiring of neural pathways. These disruptions to neural pathways in childhood can cause long-term issues with social skills and emotional regulation, as compared to traumatic experiences in adulthood.
Why Do I Feel Numb After Trauma?
After experiencing trauma, the brain will sometimes detach itself from the current environment to try to conserve energy. This is referred to as dissociation and is a natural defense mechanism of the stress response system in the brain. This feeling of detachment, numbness, or being spaced out is a way to protect individuals from physical or emotional pain in the moment that might be overwhelming.
Why Do I Have Trouble Concentrating After Trauma?
Many individuals who experience a traumatic event will struggle with concentration afterward because of hypervigilance. Hypervigilance refers to when the brain focuses a significant amount of its energy on looking for threats. This energy is sent to the amygdala to continually scan for potential threats, putting the mind and body into a heightened state of alertness. This heightened state can shut down higher-order functions like concentration, information absorption, and problem-solving, leaving individuals to feel irritable and regularly startled.
Can You Heal the Brain After Trauma?
Yes, you can heal the brain after trauma. Many therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR, can help the brain retrain itself so that it feels safe, so that it does not focus unnecessary energy on hypervigilance and can downgrade the nervous system alarm response to a healthier resting place. This allows higher-order functions like problem-solving, memory, and concentration to be given the resources and energy needed.
