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Trauma and the Brain: How It Changes the Amygdala, Hippocampus, and Prefrontal Cortex
- Yhaimar Barile
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a deeply complex and distressing experience that can leave lasting effects on both the mind and body. It can result from events like witnessing violence, surviving abuse, or enduring a natural disaster. These experiences don’t just affect emotions, they also change how the brain works.
In this article, we’ll explore how trauma impacts three key areas of the brain: the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. We’ll also discuss practical ways to promote healing.
How Trauma Affects the Brain
1. The Amygdala: The Brain’s Alarm System
The amygdala is responsible for detecting danger and triggering the fight-or-flight response. After trauma, it can become hyperactive, making people feel constantly on edge or easily startled.
o What happens? Brain scans show increased activity in the amygdala of trauma survivors. This overactivity may lead to hypervigilance, where a person is constantly scanning for threads, even when no danger is present.
o Example: A loud noise might feel like a serious threat, even in a safe environment.
2. The Hippocampus: The Memory Keeper
The hippocampus processes memories and helps us distinguish between past and present. Trauma can shrink this part of the brain, making it harder to process memories accurately.
o What happens? Studies show that trauma can shrink the hyper campus, which may cause fragmented memories or flashbacks.
o Example: A person might relive a traumatic event as if it’s happening now instead of recognizing it as a past memory.
3. The Prefrontal Cortex: The Decision-Maker
The prefrontal cortex helps regulate emotions and make decisions. Trauma can suppress its activity, leading to difficulty managing stress or controlling impulses.
o What happens? Functional imaging, such as fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), shows decreased activity in this region during emotional processing. This means that the brain is less able to manage emotions and decision-making in response to trauma.
o Example: Someone might feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle with concentration.
What Can Be Done About It?
Healing from trauma is possible with the right tools and support. Here are some practical steps:
1. Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness helps calm the amygdala and strengthen the prefrontal cortex. Sit quietly for five minutes and notice sounds, colors, or textures around you. Try focusing on your breath or observing your surroundings using your five senses.
2. Writing as Therapy
Journaling can help process emotions and organize thoughts. Write about what you’re feeling without judgment. The focus is on releasing emotions.
3. Physical Activity
Exercise help stimulate the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a process known as neurogenesis. Activities like yoga, or walking can also lower stress hormones such as cortisol and boost your mood.
4. Professional Support
Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective for trauma recovery. EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
Summary
Trauma changes how the brain works by over-activation of the amygdala, shrinking the hippocampus, and suppressing the prefrontal cortex. While recovery can be challenging, there are various approaches that can support healing, including mindfulness, writing, physical activity, and professional therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, reaching out for support is an important first step toward recovery.
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Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
