982-Trauma Related Brain Damage: Neurotoxicity of Stress

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

### Video Summary

**Title:** Trauma Related Brain Damage, Glutamate, and Neurotoxicity

**Presenter:** Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes

**Link:** [Watch the video](https://youtu.be/AFsqzW8DBYc?si=Asi1zJlYqabK-Vn6)

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#### Introduction

- Overview of trauma's effect on brain glutamate levels

- Discusses impact on HPA axis and neurotransmitter balance

- Importance of glutamate in learning and synaptic plasticity

#### Effects of Glutamate Imbalance

- Role of glutamate and cortisol in brain function

- Goldilocks principle: need for balanced neurotransmitter levels

- Symptoms of too little and too much glutamate

- Too little: difficulty concentrating, fatigue, apathy

- Too much: excitotoxicity, anxiety, neurodegeneration

#### Glutamate and Dopamine Interactions

- Dopamine potentiates glutamate, increasing neurotoxicity

- Impact of stimulants on glutamate release

#### HPA Axis and Stress Response

- Explanation of HPA axis function and stress response

- Chronic stress leads to pathophysiological changes and neuronal death

- Hypervigilance and its effects on cortisol and glutamate levels

#### Impact of Trauma and PTSD

- Trauma disrupts sense of safety, causing hypervigilance

- Persistent hypervigilance leads to chronic high glutamate and cortisol

- Stress-induced changes in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus affecting cognitive functions

#### Neurotransmission Dysfunction

- Glutamatergic dysfunction linked to stress-related mental and physical illnesses

- Systemic inflammation associated with depression, anxiety, autoimmune diseases

#### Interventions and Recovery

- Glutamate antagonists and their effects

- Importance of nutrients in normalizing glutamate levels

- Role of adaptogens, neuro lipids, and essential oils

- Behavioral strategies: creating safety, addressing intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks

- Cognitive and acceptance-based therapies for trauma

- Benefits of meditation and exercise in neurogenesis and stress reduction

#### Summary

- Glutamate is crucial for brain function but must be balanced

- Chronic stress impacts glutamate regulation, leading to various health issues

- Multiple interventions can help in managing glutamate levels and improving overall brain health

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### Time Codes for Major Points

02:00 Overview of glutamate's role in the brain and effects of imbalance

07:45 Interaction between dopamine and glutamate, and impact of stimulants

13:30 Explanation of the HPA axis and its role in stress response

20:15 Impact of trauma and PTSD on glutamate and cortisol levels

25:50 Neurotransmission dysfunction and its link to mental and physical illnesses

35:30 Interventions for managing glutamate levels and improving brain health

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