A recent article in the New York Times (9/5 or 9/6) wrote about a study using PET scans to track memory formation in the brain. The study showed 5 to 7 video clips to a group of epileptics while they were being screened for brain activity. The PET scans showed the hippocampus light up as the subjects viewed the video clips indicating where the reception of information was located. Several weeks later, the people in the study had new PET scans of their brains while being asked to recall the videos they had seen. (I don't remember who did the study, how many people participated or how the exactly how memories were evoked)I think that the participants were told the name of the video clips one at a time. The exact same areas of the brain light up again. That's the where but most important to us is the fact the the hippocampus fired up for the asked for memory before the people were aware of having a memory.
For PTSD people who get flashbacks it show that the memory begins to fire before we can be aware of it. Therefore, a flashback is a mind event out of reach of our intellectual mind. Biologically, We cannot stop them. That is a relief for me to learn since I was putting myself down for not being able to control them. After most flashbacks, I am left believing I want to die. Now I know that is part of the memory. It comes from the past and is not a true response to present life....though it can really feel like it.
For PTSD people who get flashbacks it show that the memory begins to fire before we can be aware of it. Therefore, a flashback is a mind event out of reach of our intellectual mind. Biologically, We cannot stop them. That is a relief for me to learn since I was putting myself down for not being able to control them. After most flashbacks, I am left believing I want to die. Now I know that is part of the memory. It comes from the past and is not a true response to present life....though it can really feel like it.