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Inflammation as a Cause for the Brain Changes Observed in Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Today, we shall investigate what is causing the damage to the brains of traumatized men, women, and children and give some hints as to what can prevent it. If you keep reading this series, you will be amazed by the new information we are going to share with you about what researchers are doing to find an effective treatment and possibly even a cure for many trauma-related disorders.
A Recap of the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has given a new understanding of how trauma changes the brain. The amygdala and hippocampus were found to be moderately to severely impacted.
I quote:
“What researchers looked at the brains of those who have experienced severe traumatic events, such as those returning from war, they found damage to the amygdalae and hippocampi.
A study examined, with the then-new neuroimaging tool functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 1980 revealed smaller than normal volumes in both the hippocampi and amygdale of people living with the diagnosis of PTSD.
What this study shows is how two vital regions of the brain associated with emotional…
