The Silent Injury: Abuse, Brain Trauma & the Medical Blind Spot (Part 1)

Episode Summary:
In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Paula Walters shares her deeply personal story to close out Brain Injury Awareness Month. She sheds light on “the silent injury”—the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that often go unseen and undiagnosed in survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, strangulation, and human trafficking.

Drawing from her own experience as a paramedic, survivor, and advocate, Paula walks listeners through the years of unexplained symptoms, misdiagnoses, and frustration within a medical system that treated her like a mystery patient—while missing the root cause of her suffering: an invisible brain injury caused by a near-fatal strangulation.

Paula discusses:

• Why so many survivors are misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or autoimmune conditions
• How the medical system often fails to connect trauma history to physical symptoms
• The life-changing moment she felt seen and heard by Dr. Bill Smock in 2017
• Her path to healing through functional neurology
• The emotional toll of being dismissed and mislabeled for years
• Why we must ask deeper questions and break down the silos in healthcare

This episode is not just for survivors—it’s a call to action for healthcare professionals, therapists, and advocates to recognize the real and lasting impacts of brain trauma caused by abuse. Paula’s story is a reminder that many people aren’t “crazy” or “broken”—they’re injured and need the right kind of help.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or stuck in the medical system, this episode is for you.
And if you work in healthcare or mental health, please listen with an open heart and share this message.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Paula will share what functional medicine and brain injury rehabilitation actually looked like—and how it gave her hope, purpose, and a second chance at life.

Connect with Paula:
🔹 Social Media: @PaulaDWalters | @TheCourageousSurvivor
🔹 Website: www.thecourageoussurvivor.com

https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/


Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.