The effect of trauma on the brain and how it affects behaviors | John Rigg | TEDxAugusta

Summary

This script delves into the human response to stress, particularly hyper arousal and anger, and how it's rooted in our primitive 'animal brain.' It contrasts this with the 'human brain' responsible for personality and decision-making. The speaker, a physician specializing in traumatic brain injury, uses examples from military personnel to illustrate how stress can hijack memory and behavior. He advocates for addressing the root causes of stress through physical therapy, meditation, and exercise rather than relying on medication.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The human brain is divided into two parts: the cortex (human brain) responsible for personality, decision-making, and individuality, and the subcortical (animal brain) responsible for basic functions and instincts.
• 🔥 Stress is a significant factor that can trigger overreactions and hyper arousal, particularly affecting the subcortical brain which governs our primal instincts.
• ❤️‍🔥 The amygdala, a part of the subcortical brain, is hyperactivated by stress and triggers the fight-or-flight response, which can lead to aggressive or defensive behaviors.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension are often a result of stress-induced muscle tightening and are not necessarily due to brain abnormalities.
• 🎯 The fight-or-flight response is an ancient survival mechanism that has been present for over 300 million years, ensuring quick reactions to threats.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In relationships, misunderstandings can occur when one person's stressed or aggressive behavior triggers a primitive response in another, leading to arguments.
• 🧘‍♂️ Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and physical exercise are effective in reducing stress and calming the hyperactive animal brain.
• 💊 The speaker advocates for addressing the root causes of stress and hyper arousal through holistic approaches rather than relying solely on medication.
• 🎵 The speaker concludes with a musical tribute to the military, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting those who have served and sacrificed.
• 🤔 The script encourages individuals to be aware of how their primitive animal brain reacts to situations and to consider non-pharmaceutical alternatives for managing stress.

Q & A

What are the two brains mentioned in the script that contribute to our behaviors?

The two brains mentioned are the cortex, referred to as the human or intelligent brain, and the subcortical brain, also known as the primitive or animal brain.

How does stress influence behaviors according to the script?

Stress influences behaviors by activating the primitive animal brain, which can lead to overreactions such as anger, hostility, and hyper arousal.

What is the role of the cortex in human behavior as described in the script?

The cortex, or human brain, is responsible for personality, individuality, decision-making, and processing sensory information. It is the largest part of the human brain and is central to our thinking and actions.

What are some of the automatic functions controlled by the primitive animal brain?

The primitive animal brain controls automatic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure.

How does the script explain the reaction to an attractive person passing by during a conversation?

The script explains that the reaction is due to the primitive sexual instinct programmed in the animal brain, which is an automatic response to sexual attraction.

What is the fight-or-flight response, and how does it relate to the primitive animal brain?

The fight-or-flight response is a powerful instinct for survival that is programmed in the primitive animal brain. It prepares the body to either confront or escape from a threat.

How does the script illustrate the difference in reaction time between the cortex and the primitive animal brain?

The script uses the example of a soldier reacting to fireworks as if they were an explosion, showing that the primitive animal brain reacts faster than the cortex, which processes and understands the situation more slowly.

What is the role of the amygdala in the context of the script?

The amygdala is a structure in the subcortical brain that becomes hyperactivated, particularly in response to threats, and triggers the fight-or-flight response.

How does the script suggest treating stress-related issues in soldiers?

The script suggests treating stress-related issues through physical therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga classes, and exercise, rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical products.

What is the significance of the musician background of the speaker in the script?

The speaker's background as a musician is significant as it adds a personal touch to his message and allows him to connect with his audience, particularly military personnel, through music.

What does the script suggest about the control we have over our reactions to stress?

The script suggests that while the primitive animal brain reacts automatically to stress, we can use our cortex to consciously control our reactions and choose alternative responses to reduce stress.