When the Reptililian Brain Takes Over

Years ago, late one evening, my drunk boyfriend passed out in the bathroom and hit his head on the solid white tiles of the floor. Blood smeared from under his head, at the level of his ear. He wasn't moving. I got really scared, imagining the worst, and quickly got my phone with the intention of calling emergency. BUT, in panic, I was unable to unlock my phone and dial the so simple 3-digit number. BEFORE this event, I was confident that I could dial that number in any circumstance and calmly state my name, my address etc., just like a brave movie character. However, AFTER the event, I realized I wasn’t able to do it at all. It felt like - perhaps you've experienced this - in a dream, where you have to run and you can't, or, indeed, when you have to dial a number and you don't see the keyboard.

Which Underlying Mechanisms are at Work?

Based on current neuroscientific knowledge, the human brain is made of the reptililian brain at the base, the cortex on the outer surface and the limbic brain in between these two. Most brain processes arise from complex, coordinated activities of multiple networks involving these three regions (you can learn more about brain power in our post about Sudoko here). But to put it simply: the cortex helps you think rationally and plan; the reptilian brain controls basic survival instincts like breathing and reacting to a threat, and the limbic brain hosts emotions and memory.

• In daily situations, the cortex usually leads, and the reptilian brain runs automatically in the background. For example, when driving a car, the cortex deals with directions, and the reptilian brain handles reflexes (like braking suddenly). Or, in social interactions, the cortex helps you choose words carefully, while the reptilian brain might trigger a gut reaction (like blushing or sweating), if you feel embarrassed.

• In panic situations, the reptilian brain hijacks control. Blood flow and activity shift away from the cortex, reducing your ability to think logically. Your body reacts instantly – heart races, muscles tense, adrenaline surges – and you act without conscious thought. You might freeze, lash out, or flee before even processing what’s happening, and you can’t anticipate it. But you can prepare yourself for certain selected situations by rehearsing.
  

In daily situations, the cortex usually leads, and the reptilian brain runs automatically in the background. In panic situations, the reptilian brain hijacks control.

Why Rehearsing Matters

Repeated practice creates neural pathways in your brain, turning actions into habits and shifting the task from the cortex to the reptilian system. In other words, rehearsal creates “muscle memory”. Thus, under stress, your body can act in "auto-pilot" mode, in the correct way.

For example, a firefighter doesn’t stop to think about how to aim a hose—their hands move automatically; a musician who’s repeated a piece numerous times, will be able to play it almost without thinking of it, in front of an audience. As a scientist, you’re so much better of presenting your work at a conference, if you have rehearsed it many times.

If you need some tips or need a practice audience to prepare for an exam or a conference presentation, don't hesitate to reach out to us; we can help you gain confidence and make a difference to your real audience.

Conclusion

While we can’t always predict how we’ll react under extreme stress, we can outsmart our own biology. By rehearsing critical actions we build neural pathways that allow our reptilian brain to act swiftly and correctly, even when the cortex is overwhelmed. It will enable you not just to remember, but to empower your instincts to act on your behalf.

That evening years ago, my drunken boyfriend stood up quickly, a minor cut on his head, and went to bed after telling me how crazy I was to have wanted to call an ambulance. It all ended up ok. Still, I practiced calling emergency, using that button on the smart phone that you can use without unlocking it (it actually works - I encourage you to also try it). To be prepared for the next time. The emergency lady answered, congratulated me for doing it, because it may save someone’s life, someday.

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