The brain is a fragile system, and any damage to it can lead to irreparable consequences for both physical activity and emotional reactions. One example of acquired brain damage is a stroke, which disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and, as a result, leads to changes in emotional regulation.
For example, before the stroke, the person was quite social, with an optimistic outlook on life, and generally had no noticeable pathologies. However, after the experience, their character changed dramatically, turning them whiny and irritable, with unexpected outbursts of anger. It occurs because a stroke kills some brain cells, disrupting the transmission of impulses and information. At best, other brain systems partially take over some functions. However, this creates an increased load on them, which may result in failures in the entire system’s operation.
In the worst-case scenario, the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation stop functioning completely. Various issues may arise depending on which part of the brain is damaged. These may include an impairment in the expression of emotions or an inability to cognitively perceive and analyze information based on previous experience.
The manifestation of emotions is a complex process involving various systems, with information transmitted between them by neurotransmitters. If one link in this chain disappears, the individual can no longer control their response. For instance, the brain can adequately cope with daily stressors in a healthy state.
However, if the systems responsible for processing emotions and critically assessing situations are not functioning, even a minimal trigger can cause unexpected reactions. In addition, after experiencing trauma, the brain may try to protect itself to avoid repeating the situation or to prevent further damage. In this case, defensive reactions, such as fear and anger, may become prevalent since they aim to ensure the individual’s safety and survival.