Understanding the "Heart's Brain" after a head injury
how neurons in your heart act the same as neurons in your brain
This Neuronknits Series post covers a heavy topic and the effects of a challenging recovery process after a traumatic brain injury caused by interpersonal violence.
If you’re not aware, Domestic Violence Awareness month is in October, when organizations and community members speak up about this type of violence and how to get help.
The Brain Injury Association of America has release an amazing amount of information and resources.
Understanding Domestic Violence as a Cause of TBI
All BBA Media on Domestic Violence
Resources
PCADV: Traumatic Brain Injury As a Result of Domestic Violence: Information, Screening and Model Practices Toolkit: Trainer’s Guide and Participant’s Guide
VAWNET Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence Resource Page
Kaiser Health News: Domestic Violence’s Overlooked Damage: Concussion and Brain Injury
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
Instead of using these articles and studies for my post, I encourage you to read through the links I provided.
In the Neuronknit Series I like to go over neurological awareness and strengthening that helps and supports brain injury recovery.
Does the heart have neurons? YES
Its elaborate circuitry enables it to act independently of the cranial brain – to learn, remember, and even feel and sense. The heart's nervous system contains around 40,000 neurons, called sensory neurites
What’s the Connections between the Heart and the Brain?
The heart's brain is an intricate network of several types of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins and support cells similar to those found in the brain proper. Its elaborate circuitry enables it to act independently of the cranial brain – to learn, remember, and even feel and sense.
According to a study done on this topic says, “The heart receives input from the brain about our internal state and environment, and it adjusts to maintain outputs like heart rate, blood pressure, etc. accordingly,” explains Dr. Vadigepalli. “But the nerve fibers that were found going back into the heart’s ‘little brain’ resembled an internal loop that engineers call local controllers.
Researchers also states, “that the vagus nerve connected to the sinoatrial node, controls the heart rate.
The vagus nerve, also known as the vagal nerves, are the main nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls specific body functions such as your digestion, heart rate and immune system. These functions are involuntary, meaning you can't consciously control them.
What happens to the vagus nerve caused by a head injury?
Damage or pressure to the vagus nerve after a brain injury can contribute to inflammation and symptoms similar to other post brain injury conditions.
Traumatic experiences can contribute to an overactive vagus nerve, leading to anxiety, mood changes, nausea, and pain. High levels of stress and anxiety can also trigger the vagus nerve. When overstimulated, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness and abdomen pain.
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Your parasympathetic nervous system controls “rest and digest” functions. It’s the opposite of your sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response.
These two nervous systems make up your autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary body activities.
According to Psychology today, Sustained stress, anger, and anxiety can disrupt cardiac function by changing the heart’s electrical system, hastening atherosclerosis, and increasing systemic inflammation.
Recovery timelines of a Traumatic brain injury IF you have proper care.
At six months, about 60% of TBI patients can walk again. After one year, speech and cognitive abilities will have significantly improved. In fact, 64% of TBI patients make a good cognitive recovery after 12 months, according to the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.
Recovery timelines of Post Concussion Syndrome IF you received care.
Most people with PCS eventually recover and their symptoms stop. How long this takes can vary. Some people fully recover within weeks or months. For others, it may take a year or longer.
One of the ways I have supported my recovery process is through Meditative Knitting. It’s the type of knitting that you repeat one stitch over and over. This allows your brain to train your attention and awareness, and maintain a mental clarity and emotionally calm and stable state.
I have designed a heart shape throw-blanket in garter stitch. This will give you the opportunity pick up this project and knit whenever you need to. It’s about the journey and time needed to actually heal…and then you will end up with a large beautiful cozy heart!
The Heart to Heart Knitting Free Pattern download
EMAIL: cashmereandbeach@gmail.com
References used in this post;
Traumatic Brain Injury Association of America
If you would like to help keep patterns FREE, you can donate to Paypal
Or Purchase the Presidio Hat Pattern for $1.00
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
If you need help and believe I can help you, email me at cashmereandbeach@gmail.com