Sensory hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury: the patient perspective

PurposeSensory hypersensitivity is a frequently reported complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI). This study explores patients' perceptions of sensory hypersensitivity following ABI and its impact on everyday life.Materials and MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients with ABI (stroke, brain tumour, TBI) who reported complaints of sensory hypersensitivity. Interview data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis.ResultsSix themes emerged from the data: (1) definition of sensory hypersensitivity, relating to individual perceptions of sensory hypersensitivity; (2) type of sensory stimuli, relating to the variety of stimuli that patients may be sensitive to; (3) course, relating to changes in sensory hypersensitivity following ABI; (4) fatigue, relating to its association with sensory hypersensitivity; (5) consequences of sensory hypersensitivity, relating to the physical, social and emotional impact of sensory hypersensitivity on patients' lives; and (6) coping strategies, relating to behaviours used to cope with sensory hypersensitivity.ConclusionsSensory hypersensitivity can have a major impact on patients' physical well-being, return to work and (social) participation after ABI. Characteristics of sensory hypersensitivity vary between patients with ABI. To develop treatments for sensory hypersensitivity, future studies should focus on cognitive (e.g., filtering information) and psychological factors (e.g., coping) in relation to sensory hypersensitivity. Sensory hypersensitivity occurs in all types of acquired brain injury (ABI).It is important to ask an ABI patient how sensory hypersensitivity is experienced.It is recommended to investigate the physical (e.g., headache) and emotional (e.g., irritability, anger, frustration) consequences of sensory hypersensitivity and its impact on return to work and social participation.When the patient mentions sensory hypersensitivity, also map cognition (with a focus on attention), fatigue, stress, and coping.