Trauma and the Brain
Click on the + buttons to learn more about how these parts of the brain function during traumatic events.
Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, emotions, self-control, and attention. The parts of ourselves that make rational, thoughtful decisions are based in the prefrontal cortex. During a traumatic event, the prefrontal cortex is basically put on hold while the body's survival system acts. Decision-making can be significantly impacted as a result.
Amygdala
The amygdala is a very small but important part of the brain. It is a major processing center for emotions and other brain abilities like memory, learning, and senses. The amygdala is a crucial part of your body's survival systems. During a traumatic event the amygdala is activated, pumping adrenaline through the body and kickstarting your body's other survival responses.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the part of your brain that is responsible for memory and learning. Short-term and long-term memories are formed in the hippocampus, which also helps with awareness of your environment. During a traumatic event, the hippocampus is interrupted from making and storing memories because it's job is to pump cortisol through your system to numb pain.
Trauma and the Brain
Training Team
Created on April 15, 2026
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Transcript
Trauma and the Brain
Click on the + buttons to learn more about how these parts of the brain function during traumatic events.
Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision-making, emotions, self-control, and attention. The parts of ourselves that make rational, thoughtful decisions are based in the prefrontal cortex. During a traumatic event, the prefrontal cortex is basically put on hold while the body's survival system acts. Decision-making can be significantly impacted as a result.
Amygdala
The amygdala is a very small but important part of the brain. It is a major processing center for emotions and other brain abilities like memory, learning, and senses. The amygdala is a crucial part of your body's survival systems. During a traumatic event the amygdala is activated, pumping adrenaline through the body and kickstarting your body's other survival responses.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the part of your brain that is responsible for memory and learning. Short-term and long-term memories are formed in the hippocampus, which also helps with awareness of your environment. During a traumatic event, the hippocampus is interrupted from making and storing memories because it's job is to pump cortisol through your system to numb pain.