Trauma resulting from combat, car accidents, natural disasters, domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse can leave a deep imprint on both the brain and body. The effects of these experiences can be incredibly variable. For some, the disruption may be relatively brief, with disturbing dreams or heightened emotional responses resolving within weeks. For others, symptoms that emerge after trauma eventually become chronic, disrupting daily life, work, and relationships.

Healing is a very intimate process, and what heals one may not heal the other. Survivors must, therefore, find treatments that resonate with them and embark on their journey of self-discovery to alleviate symptoms and be in control again.

PTSD is a testament to the adaptability of the brain and its drive to protect us. It can empower survivors to seek help while creating a compassionate support network around them. Time, resources, and care can be put to use to move toward healing, bringing life back from the trauma.

This article reviews the complex interaction between trauma and the brain, providing insight into how traumatic experience re-configures neural structures and contributes to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How the Brain Reacts to Trauma

Brain is a marvelous organ, designed with a definitive purpose in mind-safety or survival. As we negotiate the complexity of human existence, the brain enlists experience in memory so that we can differentiate between agents of either good or evil. Trauma makes this mechanism hyperactive, for the safety instinct overrules everything else.

After a traumatic event, the brain is compelled to overuse past experiences in predicting dangers which might be present at the moment, but long gone. Hypervigilance and an inability to discriminate between threats of past times and those of the current time define individuals with PTSD.

Cognitive Response of the Triune Brain to Trauma

Paul D. MacLean's Triune Brain model offers a framework to understand how trauma affects the functioning of the brain. The model divides the brain into three main regions:

The Reptilian Brain: This is the most primitive part of the brain, responsible for survival instincts and autonomic processes like heart rate and breathing.

The Mammalian Brain: Includes the limbic system, which processes emotions and regulates attachment and reproduction.

Neomammalian Brain: Processes sensory information, learns, memorizes, and makes decisions and complex problems-solving.

The brain suppresses higher cognitive functions and favors the functions of the reptilian and mammalian brains when faced with trauma. This shift will automatically trigger the "fight, flight, freeze, or fawn" response, which sends out stress hormones like cortisol throughout the body.

Normally, the parasympathetic nervous system will rebalance once the threat is gone; however, people with PTSD are stuck in survival mode, causing a state of chronic stress.

Key Brain Regions Affected by Trauma

Amygdala

The amygdala, responsible for detecting danger, becomes overactive in individuals with PTSD. It often misinterprets harmless stimuli as threats, causing persistent feelings of anxiety, hypervigilance, and fear. This heightened response can lead to emotional outbursts, difficulty relaxing, and an ongoing sense of unease.

Hippocampus

The hippocampus, which is used in learning and memory, atrophies in people who suffer from PTSD. Shrinkage of this particular region makes the brain have difficulties distinguishing between past and present events, resulting in flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and an inability to recall the specifics. The diminished function of the hippocampus also interferes with problem-solving and regulation of emotions.

Prefrontal Cortex

Trauma reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and logical thinking. This reduction in activity makes it difficult to contextualize and process fear responses, leaving people prone to overreaction to perceived threats.

Nervous System

The nervous system's constant activation in PTSD diminishes a person's capacity to handle stress. Even minor challenges may provoke intense reactions, as the brain remains primed for danger.

Symptoms of PTSD

The effects of PTSD are not confined within the brain, having an impact on every part of daily life. The American Psychiatric Association states the following common symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Flashbacks, and nightmares
• Heightened irritability
• Rage
• Anxiety
• Difficulty with memory, concentration, and decision-making
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Emotional numbing

All this symptoms of trauma often interfere with a patient's personal relationships, professional skills, and general well-being, making the survivors more and more isolated and misunderstood.

Healing the Trauma Brain

The changes, however, that trauma triggers in the brain are of such magnitude that recovery from this is possible through targeted intervention. Treatments often come in the form of psychotherapy, including:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Identifies and helps in altering negative thought patterns.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps reshape belief patterns based on trauma.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Helps develop resistance to triggers through gradual exposure.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Facilitates processing trauma with bilateral stimulation, creating new, healthier associations.

Susana Moreira, a 41-year-old woman from Santiago, Chile, has lived with a debilitating form of muscular dystrophy since childhood. She was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 8. Her condition has been progressive since then. As a result, she was bedridden for over 20 years. She was once able to move, but can now no longer walk, bathe, or care for herself.

Her muscles have continued to weaken and she is expected to eventually lose the ability to speak and breathe without help.

What Happens In Muscular Dystrophy?

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscular dystrophy or MD refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles. These disorders vary in age of onset, severity, and the pattern of affected muscle. However, one thing that is definite is that this condition is progressive in nature.

As per NIH, it affects by weakening the muscles. Muscles are made of thousands of fibers and these fibers contain cells surrounded by an outer layer of membrane. Muscle fibers that make these individual muscles are bound together by connective tissue. Muscles are activated when an impulse, or signal is sent from the brain. What happens in MD is the protective membrane of the muscle is damaged and the muscle fibers begin to leak protein creatine kinase and take excess calcium. This damages the muscle fibers and then causes the fibers to die, and thus leads to progressive muscle degeneration.

Right To Die

Moreira, is also facing the same condition, which will eventually make her unable to live with dignity. Therefore, she wants to be able to choose a dignified death, though euthanasia.

However, euthanasia and assisted dying are currently illegal in Chile. Her deeply personal plea has reignited a national conversation and become a symbol of the push for legal reform.

The Bill Is Stuck

Chile’s debate over euthanasia is not new. In 2021, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses. But the legislation has since stalled in the Senate.

If passed, Chile would join countries like Belgium, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands in legalizing both practices. In Latin America, Colombia already allows euthanasia, and Ecuador recently decriminalized it, though regulations are still pending.

Speaking Out Before It's Too Late

Confined to her home, Moreira spends her days reading, watching movies, and playing video games. Outings are rare due to the pain caused by sitting in a wheelchair for too long. In a letter to President Gabriel Boric, she urged him to support the bill and shared her fears about reaching a stage where she could no longer communicate her wishes.

President Boric responded publicly, calling the bill “an act of empathy, responsibility and respect,” and promised to prioritize it in his final year in office. However, political turmoil has since pushed the issue to the sidelines.

A Growth In Support

While Chile was once considered one of Latin America’s most conservative nations, attitudes toward euthanasia have shifted. A 2024 Cadem survey found that 75% of Chileans support euthanasia. Another study by the Center for Public Studies reported 89% support for allowing it either always or in special cases.

Supporters argue the law would offer people suffering from terminal conditions a humane and legal option. Critics, however, say better access to palliative care must come first. Chile passed a law in 2022 guaranteeing palliative care, but experts argue its implementation is uneven.

The debate has also been shaped by other moving stories, such as that of Valentina Maureira, a teen who pleaded publicly for euthanasia in 2015 but was denied and died shortly after.

When it comes to keeping your home clean, people do not leave any stone unturned. Our parents would often nag us to clean our rooms and keep the house clean. While it would annoy us to no end, growing up we understood why they encouraged us to keep the place we live in clean. It's not just about making it look good, but also about protecting it from harmful bacteria and germs.

While your home may be your personal space, it can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. You are also more likely to fall sick due to an unhygienic space as you spend a lot of time at home, including resting and sleeping.

However, while you may clean your floors, your closet and the washroom frequently, there are many unsuspecting items that are not cleaned as often, sometimes not at all. These items are mostly used daily, and do not need to be cleaned daily. As insignificant these may seem, periodically cleaning them is necessary to stop them from becoming breeding grounds for health issues.

Unlikely Things That Get Neglected Being Cleaned

Sponges and Dish Cloths

Before tackling dishes or counters, remember your sponge and cloth can be very unclean. They collect food scraps and messes, creating a damp home for harmful bacteria that soap alone won't eliminate. A study published in the American Society of Microbiology revealed that 49% of kitchen towels have bad bacteria. Boiling your kitchen towels may be a good practice to keep hygiene otherwise you replace them periodically.

Carpets and Rugs

Consider everything tracked onto your floors – dirt, mud, and even tiny waste particles. According to research done by Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D., a microbiologist and immunologist, carpets are 4000 times dirtier than your toilet seats. Shed skin feeds these germs, and rugs trap allergens and pet dander. Regular vacuuming isn't sufficient; the aim for professional deep cleaning annually to remove hidden contaminants.

Cutting Boards

Your cutting board, used for various foods like veggies and raw meat, can easily spread harmful bacteria if not properly cleaned. According to the North Carolina State University, plastic boards can develop germ-trapping grooves, while wood is harder to sanitize. Using separate boards for different food types and thorough washing after each use are crucial for preventing foodborne illness.

Toothbrush Holders

You diligently brush your teeth, but the storage of your toothbrush matters. Damp toothbrush holders, especially in steamy bathrooms, become ideal breeding grounds for various germs. These accumulate, and touching the holder can transfer thousands of microorganisms. Weekly washing with soap or dishwasher cleaning can help maintain a cleaner storage environment.

Coffee Makers

While you likely wash your mug daily, neglecting your coffee maker can lead to more than just a caffeine boost. Single-serve machines have water tanks where bacteria, mold, and yeast can thrive. Experts advise emptying and drying the tank after each use and descaling the machine regularly to prevent unwanted microbial growth.

Tech Gadgets

Think of the many hands touching your remote, the crumbs in your keyboard, and the constant handling of your phone. These shared devices can be surprisingly unclean, with keyboards harboring significant bacteria. Regular wiping with disinfectant and frequent handwashing are essential to minimize germ transfer from these commonly used items.

Pillows

Prepare yourself; your pillows can be a haven for dust mites, dead skin cells, and bodily fluids over time. Experts liken them to damp sponges that absorb various substances, creating a thriving environment for these unwanted guests. Regular washing every six months, annual replacement, and dust mite covers are recommended for cleaner sleep.

As temperatures rise and warm weather becomes unbearable, it is very important for people to take precautions to protect their own health. Things like applying sunscreen and covering up properly before they leave the house are a must. It also helps to know the symptoms of heatstroke as you will be able to identify it as soon as it happens.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 2025 is likely to be one of the three warmest years for global average temperature. This unusual warmth means our bodies might not be fully used to such heat, making it even more important to be mindful of how we're feeling and any potential signs of heat-related illness. Several warnings have been issued globally for people to take proper precautions so that they do not fall victim to the harsh consequences of this heat.

Currently, the temperature in the UK is rising and the National Health Service has issued a warning for people to look out for this unexpected sign if heatstroke. While you may not expect it, signs of heatstroke can appear throughout your body, whether it is in the form of stress and lightheadedness in your arms and legs.

Unexpected Sign of Heatstroke

One lesser-known symptom of heatstroke happens to be cramps in your arms and legs. you might also experience them in your tummy area. So, if you're out in the heat and start to get these kinds of muscle spasms, it could be an early warning sign that your body is struggling with the high temperatures, and you need to take action to cool down and rehydrate. Don't ignore these cramps, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Can Symptoms Related To Heatstroke Be Life Threatening?

The National Health Service (NHS) is highlighting that a condition called heat exhaustion can develop into something much more serious, known as heatstroke, if it's not treated quickly. Heat exhaustion is when your body gets too hot, but it's usually something you can recover from if you take steps to cool down within about half an hour. However, if heat exhaustion progresses into heatstroke, it becomes a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment from healthcare professionals because it can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion early is key to preventing it from turning into heatstroke.

Other Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Besides muscle cramps, there are several other important signs of heat exhaustion that you should watch out for when it's very hot. These include feeling unusually tired, experiencing dizziness, having a headache, feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting, sweating a lot, and your skin becoming pale and feeling clammy, or even developing a heat rash (though changes in skin color might be harder to notice on brown and black skin). You might also notice that your breathing or heartbeat becomes faster than normal, you have a high temperature, you feel extremely thirsty, and you experience general weakness. It's also noted that children with heat exhaustion might become more irritable than usual.