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As a result, each person experiences overstimulation a little differently, depending on how they react to stress.Ĭommon symptoms of sensory overload include:
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Sensory overload activates the body’s defense mechanism, otherwise known as its “fight or flight” response. Symptoms of Overstimulation After Brain Injury
#SENSORY OVERLOAD MELTDOWN HOW TO#
In the following section, we’ll discuss how to identify symptoms of sensory overload after brain injury. Things that they would have been able to tune out before can now bother them and lead to sensory overload.Ĭommon triggers of sensory overload include: The stress, pain, and fatigue that often occur after TBI can intensify the senses and put individuals on edge. Essentially, an over-responsiveness of the nervous system to stimuli is occurring. So if more than one thing is happening at once, the brain may become easily overwhelmed. Therefore, even the slightest stimulation may overstimulate the brain.Īdditionally, some individuals may struggle with attention and concentration after brain injury. Because these neural pathways become disrupted, hypersensitivity to stimulation may occur.įollowing a TBI, the brain devotes most of its energy towards healing and stabilization. For some, the brain injury occurs in the part of the brain responsible for sensory processing. Many factors can contribute to sensory overload after brain injury. Sensory overload is also referred to as sensory defensiveness and describes “a tendency to react negatively or with alarm to sensory input that is generally considered harmless or non-irritating.” Causes of Sensory Overload After Brain Injury This article will explore the causes of overstimulation after brain injury and share some effective ways to cope. As a result, even just a little bit of stimulation may overwhelm the brain. Hypersensitivity to stimulation often occurs after TBI because your brain is scrambling to reorganize and stabilize itself. If you have ever experienced sensory overload after brain injury, you are not alone.
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