Understanding Brain Damage/Injuries/Illnesses through Social Media
What information was shared?
Charles Hutson was a successful mining engineer, when he suffered brain damage while trying to stop a thief following a jewelry store robbery in March of 2003. Hutson was struck by the getaway car and sustained severe head injuries. He was in a coma for three weeks before he woke up again. When recalling the event that changed the course of his life. Hutson believes that he recognized the man (the thief) from a magazine about gemstones. Upon seeing him, he knew he had to step in and stop the shady man from committing the crime. His wife, Cathy Hutson, recalls a different account of the situation. She claims that Charles did not recognize the man from an article, and although maybe Hutson had read an article about gemstones in the past, he is mixing together these two isolated experiences. Cathy states that he has “knitted” that version together his mind, and that every time he recalls that version it becomes more real to him. Hutson on the other hand, is convinced that his recollection of the story is the true version, but he cannot share the proof because it is top secret.
Charles Hutson displays a rare case of spontaneous confabulation. These ‘honest lies’ present themselves in his everyday life as he tries to fill in the gaps of his memory. Hutson shares that he believed that he had discovered the Theory of Relativity and was in kinship with Albert Einstein. He also remembers that at one point in time he had been walking with dinosaurs. These are both recounts of things that are false and did not happen, but in Hutson’s mind these are facts of his existence.
What disability was discussed?
The disorder that was discussed was confabulation. Confabulation is described as a neuropsychiatric disorder that causes people to create fake memories in their mind without the intention of deceiving other people. There is no conclusive data on the evolution and motivation behind confabulation, however, the effected areas of the brain have been identified as orbitofrontal or ventromedial prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe (Wiggins & Bunin, 2023). The prefrontal cortex is responsible for many functions, such as the ability to remember recent events and information (Kalat, 2023). Lesions to these areas of the brain can severely impair memory. Other area of the brain that may also be effected are the hypothalamus, mamillary bodies, and the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus (Wiggins & Bunin, 2023). There are memory tests that can be done that identify errors in reduced memory capacity, executive function, and temporal context confusion (Wiggins & Bunin, 2023).
There are two types of confabulation; provoked and spontaneous. With provoked confabulation, it usually occurs in a questionnaire or interview setting. When the individual is asked a question about an event or facts about places, dates, and prevalent history, it prompts a false memory in their mind (Wiggins & Bunin, 2023). The other type of confabulation is spontaneous. In the case of spontaneous confabulation, the individual has gaps in the memory and the confabulation occurs on a daily basis.
What stereotypes/biases do they face on a daily basis?
In the case of Hudson, he may feel irritation and humiliation when people such as his wife, are insistent that his recollection of events is incorrect. This can lead to causing a disconnect between what he perceives and reality and what is a ‘knitted’ version of the past. The disconnect makes Hudson feel irritable and distressed, and these emotions sometimes carry on and effect those close to him.
Hudson also explains how he feels ostracized because people claim his degree is fake, and it makes him fell like they’re saying that his whole career was a lie. Those who ‘don’t like’ Hudson claim that he faked his degree because of his accident.
How does the person make the information relatable to the general population (bring you in to hear their experiences)?
Hutson decided to share his story on a documentary about people who suffered from brain damage. Sharing his story helps to spread more information about the condition to the general population. This can lead to a decrease in stigma, stereotypes, and biases towards people who suffer from brain trauma. It humanizes these people and can put a halt on the label of being ‘crazy’. More information about different cases of confabulation can help advance research on the topic. Although there is no conclusive data on the evolution of this condition, research can help discover the causes and help people with this condition receive even better treatments and hopefully eventually, a cure.
How do they feel about their situation? What struggles do they face?
Hudson can no longer work, and requires a team of caretakers to provide him with 24 hour support to keep him anchored in reality.
What unique coping skills have they developed as a result?