The first symptom of trauma is the loss of “brain synchronization.” When we are overwhelmed by emotion, the brain loses the synchronization between the two hemispheres and within the hemispheres themselves. When the synopses are no longer firing at the same time, the brain becomes less efficient. An example of mild trauma might be a driver being pulled over for speeding or a stop sign violation. Suddenly, there are no words to say to the officer. Another example is at test time when the mind goes blank. The results later are: “I should have said …”, “I wish I would have said…”, and “I knew that answer.”
After the trauma ends, the brain resumes functioning at this higher level, but during the emotional overload, the cognitive activity decreases and the individual feels like a fool. Panic begets panic.
The next step, and still mild trauma is when the left brain turns off.
According to Life Model Mild Trauma (left-brain off) – The left brain controls executive decisions such as coordination, planning and organizing actions towards an individual’s goals, error correction and assists in overcoming habitual responses. It contributes to one’s behavior, language and reasoning. In a healthy, mature person, one has goals, is able to organize and express these goals, make mistakes, correct them and continue on toward these goals. Ones worldview, or “personal reality” is firmly established. Everything fits toward a unique and individual future. This is left-brain living.
Note: Given the current information refuting the left / right brain theoryappendix 4, I’m going to focus on synchronization and top / down shutdown of the brain. Also, consider the differences between men and woman at this point where a man’s left brain is not as efficient in talking with the right brain as a woman’s. As of this writing, no one has answered my inquiries concerning the potential differences between men and woman concerning their ability of handling trauma.
As the overload continues or increases, our higher cognitive process, either not able to adapt or comprehend events or as a built in safety feature, shuts down slowing the level of brain activity: namely social interaction, and executive functions such as creating strategies. We might freeze, not knowing how to escape or react. Our goals and plans are forgotten. Feelings take over. We are reacting rather than living proactively. We live life as an existence rather than enjoying life fully.
In technical terms, “The amygdalae becomes overwhelmed with emotion releasing extra chemicals such as adrenalin and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDA-R). The latter encourages “the formation of new nerve connections, called synapses. This hyperactive neuro growth in the amygdalae can continue up to ten days after a single traumatic event.” (See appendix 3). But in this case, we are looking at mild trauma where the effect is gentle and temporary. The highest brain level shuts down, a slightly lower more emotional brain takes over. Some cognitive and verbal skills are temporarily compromised.
Higher level thinking and brain synchronization resumes as soon as the individual can adapt to and accept the emotional overload. This then, becomes a growing experience. With learning and maturity, we are able to adjust and cope to similar future emotional overloads and stress.
Exercises to increase the productivity of higher brain functions includes memorization, word games, math games, strategizing etc.
Moderate Tauma