Perspective Chapter: The Complex Architecture of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

This is a perspective chapter that explores the crucial importance of understanding the full impact and architecture of a traumatic brain injury, beginning with the conception of a “Shock Trauma.” This architecture is followed by the brain/mind architecture of “electrical and chemical disruptions in the brain,” the brain/mind architecture of “homeostasis, allostasis, and allostatic load causing further disruptions in brain and mind functioning,” and the brain/mind architecture of the “perfect storm” in the brain. Each architecture represents a stage in the toxic, cascading progression of a traumatic brain injury. It is generally not understood that traumatic brain injuries are not static events and that they can quickly become neurodegenerative disease processes, especially if they are not treated. Over time, these Four Architectures fold into one another creating huge challenges for the healing process. The conception of the Four Architectures is well illustrated through the case of a 20 year-old female who suffered a brain hemorrhage at age 7. Unfortunately, no follow-up was considered after a year of treatment. Her case identifies the importance of understanding the toxic, cascading progression of a traumatic brain injury through the Four Architectures, and how serious a condition this can become. Finally, the author discusses how brain injuries are different from all other types of injuries to a person, because of their neurodegenerative nature. And that these injuries need to be understood in a very different light, with a great deal more follow-up.