Possible Causes of Trauma


         Following are some examples of common traumatic antecedents. Keep in mind though, that any event can cause traumatic reactions later in life, depending on how the person experienced them at the time. It is not the event itself that is traumatic; it is the individual's perception of and capacity to respond to the event. If one perceives a situation to be life-threatening, then that situation is potentially traumatic. So the following list is by no means exhaustive.

         People, especially children, can be overwhelmed (and thus potentially traumatized) by what we usually regard as common, everyday events (for example falling off a bicycle). Or, an infant may be left with caretakers that he or she does not know and sense that it has been abandoned. This event could lead to a traumatic response. That is, the infant may respond "as if" it had truly been abandoned. It may sense that its life is threatened and respond accordingly.

         Similarly, as Dr. Levine points out, hospitalizations and medical procedures routinely produce traumatic results. The traumatic after-effects from prolonged immobilization, hospitalizations, and especially surgeries are often long-lasting and severe.

         Even though a person may recognize that an operation is necessary, and despite the fact that they are unconscious as the surgeon cuts through flesh, muscle, and bone, it still registers in the body as a life-threatening event. On a 'cellular level' the body perceives that it has sustained a wound serious enough to place it in mortal danger. Intellectually, we may believe in an operation, but on a more primal level, our bodies do not."

"The causes of trauma," according to Dr. Levine, can be divided into two main categories:

Events that are almost always traumatic -- no matter who experiences them.
This list might include:

  • War


  • Severe childhood emotional, physical, or sexual abuse


  • Experiencing or witnessing violence


  • Rape or assault of any kind


  • Catastrophic injuries and illnesses


  • Loss of a loved one


  • High impact automobile accidents

Common jarring unexpected events canbe traumatic under certain circumstances. This list might include:

  • Minor automobile accidents -- even fender benders (especially those that cause whiplash)


  • Invasive medical and dental procedures (particularly when performed on children who are restrained or anesthetized)


  • Falls and other so-called minor injuries, especially when children or elderly people are involved (for example, a child falling of a bicycle).


  • Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricane, tornadoes, fires, floods, volcanoes)


  • Illness, especially with high fever


  • Accidental poisoning


  • Abandonment (being left alone), especially for young children and babies


  • Prolonged immobilizations , especially for children (casting, extended splinting, traction)


  • Exposure to extreme heat or cold (especially for children and babies)


  • Sudden loud noises (especially for children and babies)


  • Fetal trauma (intra-uterine)


  • Birth trauma (e.g., umbilical cord getting wrapped around neck)


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