Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The brain keeps a record of all learned safety experiences, the associa-
tions of anxiety with objects or situations. We store information on, for
example, who to trust or distrust, which situations might be threatening,
and which objects should be avoided. All pain- and anxiety-related
experiences are stored in a special area in the center of our emotional
brain. If this area is damaged
—
—
for example, due to a stroke
surviving is
really difficult. We simply don
t experience dangers anymore. Although
we like to see ourselves as rational and logical, this emotional database
has a huge impact on our decision-making process. If we transfer this
knowledge into safety management, the emotional brain gives us very
specific clues about risky elements in our environment, as well as people,
objects, or situations. In each clue, a minor touch of anxiety is included.
Without feelings of anxiety and pain, we cannot survive.
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Mammals learn individually but also as a group. Emotions are
shared, and this enhances the learning process in the group. Signs from
group members that something might be threatening are very impor-
tant for the others. The group will immediately act, for example, in a
flight reaction, when one of the members senses danger: the herd
instinct. We have learned that the chances of survival increase when
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There are people who are born without the ability to experience pain (analgesia). They usually
die before they are 20 years old. Children with this condition often suffer oral cavity damage
(such as having bitten off the tip of their tongue) or fractures to bones. They also have difficulty
sensing anxiety.
