Now let’s come to the prefrontal cortex, which is the decision-making area. The prefrontal cortex is the most evolved part of the brain; it governs logic, reasoning, decision-making, planning, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It is the wise adult in the room, but when your brain is flooded with cortisol for long periods, the prefrontal cortex downregulates. It literally starts functioning less. This means you struggle to make decisions and feel overwhelmed by choices. You cannot regulate your emotions, leading you to react impulsively. You may feel foggy or find yourself unable to think clearly.
This is what people often call “trauma brain” or “narcissistic abuse brain fog.” As I already explained, you’re not lazy or indecisive; you’re neurologically compromised. For now, your prefrontal cortex shuts down so your body can prioritize survival. It’s not trying to help you think; it’s trying to help you run because that is the immediate need.
Default Mode Network: The Identity Loop
Let’s talk about another interesting aspect: the Default Mode Network (DMN), the identity loop that never rests. Recent neuroscience has highlighted the importance of the DMN, a network in the brain responsible for self-reflection, internal dialogue, and autobiographical memory. In survivors of narcissistic abuse, the DMN becomes overactive and dysregulated, which is why you may overanalyze, replay conversations, and spiral into shame-based thoughts like “What’s wrong with me?” or “I’m not enough.”
Why did I let him or her do that to me? Was it really abuse? Maybe I overreacted. This is the brain trying to make sense of a confusing and invalidating experience, but without a proper compass. A narcissist conditions you to believe everything is your fault, and the DMN plays that loop on repeat. Your brain becomes a prison in which you are both the inmate and the warden. Can you believe that?
Vagus Nerve: Body-Brain Connection
Continue reading on the next page
Sharing is caring!
