Blog Post #3 – Friends Forever

Hi everyone! My blog post may be a little jumpy, as one needs to know a little about a lot for my story.

My story features landscapes in the subconsciousness, inspired by inside out(1). The mental figures and spaces, however, do not represent emotions, but parts of the brain. Two of the figures, Professor Moose and Amaya, represent the left and right sides of the brain respectively. Just as brains are actually not left or right dominant(2), so both try to help Avery understand them in their own ways, Moose using logic and Amaya using a song.
Memories also play a major part in the story. The hippocampus, other parts of the medial temporal lobe, the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, and the amygdala play roles in the creation, storage, and emotions of memories (3). Characters Theresa, Adonis, and Galiena play key roles here, acting as tangible representations of the brain pathways that transport memories.

A concussion is a mild brain injury that can occur from sports, vehicle collisions, or even accidents. (4) The injury stretches and injured nerves and blood vessels in the brain. (4) While one may not damage the brain, multiple concussions could result in long term damage and it is advisable to see a healthcare provider after experiencing one. (4) Physical symptoms of someone who sustained a concussion may include, a headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or drowsiness, and blurry vision. Non-physical symptoms include fonfusion or feeling as if in a fog, amnesia surrounding the event, dizziness or “seeing stars.” (5) A witness may observe temporary loss of consciousness for the concussed person, slurred speech, delayed response to questions, unfocused gaze, and forgetfulness. Symptoms that take some time to show include trouble with concentration and memory, irritability and other personality changes, sensitivity to light and noise, insomnia, depression, and changes in the senses. (5)

The main treatment for a concussion is rest. (6) When resting, one should drink plenty of water and limit their screen time, as bright lights may be harsh on a recovering brain. Alcohol and other substance consumption is highly discouraged. (6) One can also use over-the-counter pain relievers. (6) To prevent brain injury, one can wear a properly fitted helmet and use other athletic safety gear, and follow follow safety guidelines in sports and when operating vehicles or equipment. (7)

1.NeuroLaunch.com. (2024, September 15). Inside Out Psychology: exploring emotions and mental processes. https://neurolaunch.com/inside-out-psychology/
2.Pietrangelo, A. (2024, February 5). Left Brain vs. Right Brain: What Does This Mean for Me? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/left-brain-vs-right-brain#research
3.How memory works. (n.d.). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/memory/how-memory-works?msockid=19b3196cfb906fb227fc0c5ffa606e76
4.Cleveland Clinic. (2020, June 2). Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15038-concussion
5.Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, February 17). Concussion – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594
6.the Healthline Editorial Team. (2015, September 26). Concussion. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/concussion#symptoms
7.CDC. (2024, June 3). Preventing TBI. Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion. https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/prevention/index.html