Things to Consider Checking as an Abuse Survivor PT 1
When we think of brain injuries we may think of contact sports or falling from a high place. However there are other ways the brain can become damaged such as a Stroke, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and even Prolong, Repeated Abuse
Brain Injury or Acquired Brain Injury are damages to the brain which occur after birth at any time. ABI can be classified into two main types
TBI/Traumatic Brain Injury or NTBI/Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
Acquired Brain Injury can be caused by a plethora of traumatic events-
•Trauma- Falling, Blunt Force, Sports Injuries, Crashes, etc....
•Lack of Oxygen to the Brain
Traumatic Brain Injury are caused by physical trauma to the head or brain such as in Contact Sports, Crashes, Falling from Heights
Non Traumatic Brain Injuries are caused by factors other than physical trauma such as Stroke, Infection, Poison
Damage to the Head/Brain can potentially but not guarantee, lead to other disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
Brain Injuries, depending on the severity, can cause a person to go into a coma however comas themselves can cause brain damage on various levels
24hrs=Moderate Brain Damage
24+hrs=Severe Brain Damage
Depending on the hours or even days a person is in a coma can negatively affect the brain however unlike Hollywood, the chances of having long term amnesia is fictional. While yes, having amnesia is common within brain injuries you'll more than likely not be the star of a 50 First Dates(/ref)
Reasons Why A Survivor Should Check Their Head/Brain
The primary reason for a survivor of abuse to have their head and brain checked for any traumatic injuries is even if the perpetrator themselves do not use blunt force to the head, many other factors such as substance abuse, drowning or waterboarding, ignoring infections, etc... can lead to damages to the brain
Even if you do not feel the symptoms now it does not mean they are not there. Symptoms of Brain Injuries can occur without notice until later in life. It's very important to not ignore anything your head feels
Understandably it is a privilege and expensive to get a brain scan to see whether or not you have any type of brain injury, and not everyone is able to receive a brain scan however there are some who even low or no privilege are able to receive brain scans however they usually have been in a coma
Now, even without a brain scan, there are other symptoms that occur either in the present or later can help indicate a head/brain injury
Symptoms of Head/Brain Trauma
Symptoms of Head/Brain Trauma include-
Amnesia, Inability to Speak or Understand Language, Mental Confusion, Difficulty Concentrating, Difficulty Thinking and Understanding, Inability to Create New Memories, or Inability to Recognize Common Things
Abnormal Laughing and Crying, Aggression, Impulsivity, Irritability, Lack of Restraint, or Persistent Repetition of Words or Actions
Blackout, Dizziness, Fainting, or Fatigue
Anger, Anxiety, Apathy, or Loneliness
Dilated Pupil, Raccoon Eyes, or Unequal Pupils
Difficulty Speaking or Slurred Speech
Blurred Vision or Sensitivity to Light
Persistent Headache, Temporary Moment of Clarity, Balance Disorder, Bleeding, Bone Fracture, Bruising, Depression, Loss of Smell, Nerve Injury, Post-Traumatic Seizure, Ringing in the Ears, Sensitivity to Sound, or Stiff Muscles
Head/Brain Injury vs Disorders
Symptoms of a Head/Brain Trauma can be similar to that of various disorders such as CPTSD, Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders etc ....it is possible to have both a Head/Brain Injury and a mental disorder
The most common mental disorder a victim of abuse may possess is C/PTSD. While C/PTSD can cause damages to the brain it does not necessarily mean everyone who has C/PTSD will have brain damage
Consequences of Brain Damage within C/PTSD-
PTSD can lead to problems with Memory, Attention, and Concentration
•Emotional Dysregulation-
Individuals with PTSD may experience Intense and Uncontrolled Emotions, such as Anxiety, Anger, and Depression
•Increased Risk of Other Health Problems-
PTSD has been linked to an increased risk of other health problems, such as Heart Disease, Stroke, and Substance Abuse
Mechanisms of Brain Damage within C/PTSD-
The Hippocampus, a Brain Region responsible for Memory, may shrink in individuals with PTSD. This can Impair Memory Consolidation and Retrieval
•Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction-
The Prefrontal Cortex, a Brain Region involved in Decision-Making and Emotional Regulation, may show decreased activity in individuals with PTSD. This can lead to Difficulty Concentrating, Making Rational Decisions, and Controlling Emotions
•Changes in Neurochemistry-
PTSD can also Alter the Levels of Neurochemicals in the Brain, such as Cortisol, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin. These changes can contribute to the symptoms of PTSD
Normal. C/PTSD. TBI Brain Scan
This image shows a brain scan of those with a normal, C/PTSD, TBI, and C/PTSD+TBI
Other Symptoms/Conditions in which can Mimic a Brain Injury are-
Anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Phobias, can cause symptoms such as Irritability, Difficulty with Ficus, and Physical Symptoms like Headaches and Fatigue, which can be Mistaken for Brain Injury Symptoms
Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder can cause symptoms like Changes in Mood, Irritability, and Difficulty with Concentration, which can be similar to those seen after a Brain Injury
Psychotic Disorders, including Schizophrenia, can involve Delusions and Hallucinations, which can sometimes be observed following a Brain Injury, although the presentation of Psychotic Symptoms after a Brain Injury is not always indicative of a Psychotic Disorder
•Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)-
FND, also known as Somatization Disorder, is a Neurological Condition caused by Changes in How Brain Networks Work, rather than Changes in the Structure of the Brain Itself. Symptoms can include Seizure-Like Episodes, Movement Problems, Cognitive Difficulties, and more.
Anosognosia is a Neurological Condition in which the patient is Unaware of their Neurological deficit or Psychiatric Condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with Anosognosia have Damage in the Areas of their Brain that Update their Self-Image
•Cluster B Personality Disorders-
While Cluster B Personality Disorders are more developed through genetic and environmental trauma, symptoms of Cluster B Disorders can mirror symptoms of a damaged brain and vise versa
For example, apathy is common within ASPD and can show within other Cluster B Disorders however it is most well known within ASPD
Individuals with ASPD may show a Lack of Motivation or Interest in Social Interactions or Activities which can be Interpreted as Apathy, but this is often intertwined with other behaviors like Impulsivity, Deceitfulness, and Disregard for Rules
Apathy in Brian Injury is characterized by Reduced Initiative, Interest, and Engagement in Activities Leading to Decreased Motivation and a Lack of Concern for Achieving Goals
Apathy after a Brain Injury can be a Primary Disorder Reflecting Neurological Damage or it can be Part of a Broader Set of Symptoms, including Depression, Fatigue, and Other Cognitive Impairments
Apathy can be Debilitating after a Brain Injury impacting an individual's ability to Participate in Daily Activities, Maintain Relationships, and Achieve Personal Goals
It's always good to note with your psychologist and/or doctor about any and all symptoms you are experiencing to discover whether or not you have just a disorder itself or a brain injury. Finding key differences between mental and physical disorders and brain injuries can help tremendously in knowing what you can do for treatment
Remember, not all damages to the brain need to be blunt force trauma and not all mental disorders are brain damages
Keep note of what you're experiencing and experienced as what you can remember what happened in the past can help determine your health and healing in the future
