Sensory Overstimulation

Here is something we had never heard of and didn’t know to expect:

Sensory Overstimulation

This stressful disorder is commonly referred to as “crowding” or “flooding”. It affects most, if not all, of those who have had a brain injury as well as some who have not. Although this condition is not recognized as a medical diagnosis at this time, many experts think it should be. There are professionals who offer treatment  for children and adults struggling with this.

Flooding happens when the brain cannot not process stimuli properly – whether sight, sound, smell, motion, or tactile. Normal background sounds, lights, colors and patterns, clutter, the feel of something against the skin, odors, traffic, too much conversation, lots of people and commotion – most any normal activity or surrounding can be overwhelming to one with this disorder.

Because someone with a brain injury may not have any outward physical signs of injury; it can be difficult for the people around them to believe they have a problem. One struggling with flooding, especially when also struggling with other “invisible” things like memory, concentration and motivation, needs friends and family to understand the disorder.

Every brain injury is different.

Everyone does not experience this to the same degree, and the degree can vary day to day or hour to hour. The symptoms can vary, also. In addition to extreme mental fatigue where the brain just can’t think anymore, symptoms can also include headaches, tremors, sweating, vomiting, fatigue, depression, anxiety, fear, panic, and more.

All friends and family, along with the sufferer, need to understand this condition. Learning to recognize symptoms and triggers and ways to avoid episodes will benefit everyone! Educating yourself will also promote patience with the struggles.

Please, everyone, take time to watch this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7VEuMNgQSU

Find an in-depth discussion at: Sensory Over-Stimulation – Flooding