Traumas physical impact

Understanding PTSD 

Judith Herman defines trauma as an event that overwhelms our ability to cope, leaving us feeling powerless or helpless. In the aftermath of trauma, it's common to feel irritable, agitated, afraid, panicked, or depressed.  In addition to the emotional/psychological symptoms of trauma there are physical symptoms. These symptoms include numbness, shakiness, nausea, and dizziness. Early intervention and support can prevent the development of PTSD in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

What is PTSD?

PTSD occurs when someone can't process a traumatic event due to an overwhelm of their coping skills, a lack of resources, or other reason. This difficulty in processing the event leads to prolonged distress. A diagnosis of PTSD is given when symptoms listed below last for more than four weeks:

·         Intrusive memories or thoughts

·         Avoidance of reminders

·         Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on alert

Additional symptoms of PTSD can include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, addictions, emotional eating, social anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity. Unresolved PTSD can lead to chronic illnesses and conditions like seizures, migraines, gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune disorders, heart problems, sleep problems such as insomnia, and chronic fatigue.

 Diagnosic Challenges

 When trying to determine if you have PTSD, it is important to ensure that your clinician rules out other disorders that have similar symptoms. Receiving an accurate diagnosis can be tricky. PTSD symptoms can overlap with other disorders, such as:

·         Major depression

·         Bipolar disorder

·         Generalized anxiety

·         Panic disorder

·         OCD

·         ADHD

·         Substance abuse

·         Personality disorders

·         Sensory Processing and PTSD

 PTSD can impact how we process sensory information.  Trauma and PTSD can lead to either hyperarousal or under-arousal responses to sensory input. Hyperarousal can result in heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, or smells, leading to sensory overload. Conversely, insufficient sensory input or under-arousal can cause depersonalization or dissociation.

 Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Response

 The ANS controls involuntary bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It consists of two main components: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). These systems work in tandem to maintain homeostasis and respond to stressors. The ANS response to threat evolved as a survival mechanism. Early animals needed quick responses to danger. The quicker the danger response the more likely that the animal survived. The fight-or-flight response, which is controlled by the SNS, allowed for a quick response to increase the chances of escaping predators. As species and humans evolved, we developed more fined tuned and sophisticated responses with our ANS. The PNS came about and served as a counterbalance to the fight or flight response, facilitating the rest and recovery response after a threat passed.

 Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

 When a person encounters a traumatic event, the SNS activates the fight-or-flight response. This response is designed to prepare the body to either confront the threat or escape it. When presented with a threat the SNS prepares the body for fight or flight by the following:

 ·         Increases The Heart Rate: Increasing the heart rate ensures that more blood is pumped to the muscles so that you can fight or flee. 

·         Dilates The Pupils: This enhances your vision and evolved to help you spot danger.

·         Releases Adrenaline: Adrenaline boosts energy levels giving you the energy to fight or flee.

·         Inhibits Digestion: Energy is diverted to essential functions that are needed to fight or flee.

·         Sweating: This helps cool the body during physical exertion.

 Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

 While the SNS gears the body for action, the PNS can trigger a freeze response. This response is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of immobility or paralysis. The freeze response is a survival mechanism that can occur when a fight or flight isn’t an option. The PNS brings the body back down by reversing the effect the SNS has as a response to threat.

 Role of the Vagus Nerve

 The Vagus nerve is our tenth cranial nerve. It has a crucial role in the functions of the PNS. The Vagus nerve connects our brain to most of our vital organs, including our heart, lungs, and digestive system. It also plays a major role in regulating our body's relaxation response. A few of the functions of the Vegas nerve are:

·         Heart: Slows our heart rate to calm the body.

·         Lungs: It regulates our breathing patterns.

·         Digestive System: It promotes digestion and nutrient absorption.

·         Voice and Throat: Affects our speech and swallowing.

 When our Vagus nerve is activated, it helps our body shift from a state of threat response to a state of rest and recovery. This is important for mental and physical healing after a traumatic event. The body’s ability to balance between the SNS and PNS, along with the influence of the Vagus nerve, determines how we physically respond to trauma and recover from it.