A brain injury from a recent auto accident can negatively impact your life, perhaps in ways that you might not recognize at first. A sudden sensitivity to light and sound may seem like the symptom of another medical condition. However, it could also be due to sensory overload.
According to Psychology Today, damage to the brain can impair your sensory filters. Before your injury, you could easily screen out excess smells, sights or sounds. Now, a flood of sensory stimuli might be making your life miserable or even have debilitating results.
How sensory overload manifests
People can suffer sensory excess in different ways. This is because a brain injury sometimes only affects specific senses. So while you may be fine with touching objects and looking at your surrounding environment, loud noise or background sounds could suddenly feel overwhelming.
There are various other examples. Some injury patients suffer problems with touch when they put on itchy clothes. A pungent odor or flashing lights may also serve as triggers.
Sensory overload can make life difficult
When you feel overwhelmed by your senses, you might try to block the offending noises or sounds. You may even retreat from the location of the sounds or sights. This can make it hard to enjoy your life or even handle tasks necessary for everyday living.
Fortunately, coping methods exist to diminish the effects of sensory overload. Shortly after an injury, you may want to ask questions of your medical provider about symptoms you might experience. This could help you decide what course of action to take to regain your quality of life.
