Noise Sensitivity After A Stroke: Understanding The Connection

Strokes, or brain attacks, are a medical emergency that can have long-term effects on the body. While the effects of a stroke vary from person to person, one common side effect is increased sensitivity to noise, known as auditory overload. This is when the brain cannot process the amount of sensory information it is receiving. This sensitivity can be heightened at social gatherings, where noise levels are higher. Interestingly, research has also shown that traffic noise may increase the risk of having a stroke.

Noise sensitivity is called auditory overload

Experiencing a stroke can lead to heightened sensitivity to sounds, a common side effect known as auditory overload. This is when the brain struggles to process the amount of sensory information it receives. It can happen to anyone but is more common in autistic people, people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sensory processing disorder, and other conditions.

Symptoms of Auditory Overload

• Inability to concentrate on a task or speaker
• Repeating a task over and over
• Inability to ignore loud sounds, strong smells, or other types of sensory input
• Extreme sensitivity to clothing or other textures
• Feeling overwhelmed or agitated
• Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
• Avoiding specific places or situations
• Placing hands over the ears
• Inability to converse with others or connect with them
• Running away from specific places or situations

Tips to Manage Auditory Overload

• Distance yourself from noise as much as possible
• Get lots of rest before attending large social gatherings
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol
• Ask the host to turn down or turn off music that is competing with people's conversations
• Wear earplugs to help reduce the intensity of noise and stimulation your system is trying to process
• Keep a diary of signs, symptoms, and triggers of auditory overload
• Avoid triggers of auditory overload, such as loud concerts or events with flashing lights
• Identify safe spaces to escape to when auditory overload occurs at school, work, or other venues
• Stay near the exit when at a concert or party so that it is easy to leave if necessary
• Talk with teachers, colleagues, friends, and others about auditory overload and ask for their support in reducing sensory inputs
• Take regular breaks, get enough rest and sleep, drink lots of water, and eat a balanced diet

It is a common side effect of strokes

To help recover from auditory overload, it is recommended to distance yourself from noise as much as possible. Getting lots of rest before attending large social gatherings can also help, as your auditory system will not process sound as effectively when you're tired. Asking the host to turn down or turn off music that interferes with conversations can also be beneficial. Additionally, wearing earplugs can reduce noise intensity and stimulation your system is trying to process.

In addition to auditory overload, strokes can also lead to light sensitivity, known as photophobia. This sensitivity can be overlooked due to the presence of other physical complications. Clinical research has shown that light sensitivity can affect between 5-10% of people who experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), with women potentially having a greater risk. It is often associated with headaches and migraine-like symptoms, which can persist for years or even a lifetime.

Astheno-emotional syndrome (AES) is also a common experience following a stroke. AES includes cognitive issues such as mental fatigue and memory difficulties, as well as physical complaints like light and sound sensitivity. These "hidden" symptoms can significantly impact the daily quality of life for stroke patients.

It can be caused by the brain not being able to process sensory information

Experiencing heightened sensitivity to noise after a stroke is a common phenomenon known as auditory overload. This occurs when the brain struggles to process the amount of sensory information it is receiving.

Auditory overload can manifest in various ways, such as an inability to concentrate on a task or a speaker, or repeatedly performing the same task. It can occur at any time and is more likely to happen in environments with high levels of noise, such as parties or other social gatherings.

The underlying cause of auditory overload is the brain's reduced capacity to process sensory information effectively. This can be a direct result of the damage caused by the stroke. Depending on the location and severity of the stroke, different areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information may be impacted, leading to difficulties in managing and interpreting external stimuli.

The brain's inability to keep up with the influx of sensory information can result in a range of symptoms, including heightened sensitivity to noise. This sensitivity can be particularly challenging for stroke survivors, as everyday sounds can become overwhelming and lead to feelings of anxiety or discomfort.

Additionally, research has identified astheno-emotional syndrome (AES) as a common experience in the months and years following a stroke. AES encompasses a range of cognitive and physical issues, including mental fatigue, memory difficulties, and sensory sensitivities to light and sound. These "hidden" symptoms can significantly impact the daily lives of stroke survivors, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life.

It can be managed by distancing oneself from noise

It is common for people to experience increased sensitivity to noise after a stroke. This phenomenon, known as auditory overload, occurs when the brain struggles to process the vast amount of sensory information it receives.

To manage auditory overload effectively, one essential strategy is to distance oneself from noise. This proactive approach involves taking conscious steps to reduce exposure to loud or overwhelming sounds. Here are some specific ways to do this:

• Avoid crowded and noisy places: Crowded places, such as parties or large social gatherings, can be particularly challenging for those with auditory overload. It is advisable to limit attendance at such events or choose quieter venues when possible.
• Seek quiet environments: Whenever possible, opt for quiet environments that promote relaxation and reduce auditory stimulation. This can include spending time in nature, finding a quiet room, or engaging in activities that don't involve excessive noise, like reading or meditation.
• Use noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs: Investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can be a valuable tool for minimising noise intrusion. They help to block out or reduce the intensity of sounds, giving your auditory system some much-needed respite.
• Maintain a peaceful personal space: Create a calm and peaceful atmosphere in your personal space, such as your home or office. This can include using sound-absorbing materials, keeping noise levels low, and creating designated quiet areas.
• Prioritise rest and relaxation: Ensure you get plenty of rest and relaxation. When you're well-rested, your brain is better equipped to process auditory information. Make time for quiet activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, deep breathing, or listening to soothing music at a comfortable volume.
• Limit exposure to excessive noise: Be mindful of your daily activities and try to minimise exposure to excessive noise. This could mean reducing the volume on electronic devices, opting for quieter forms of transportation, or taking breaks from noisy tasks or environments.

By implementing these strategies and prioritising your auditory well-being, you can effectively manage auditory overload and improve your overall quality of life following a stroke. Remember, it's important to seek professional advice and support as you navigate this journey toward healing and recovery.

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is also a symptom of strokes

Experiencing a stroke can be a scary medical emergency, with symptoms that often develop without warning and can become lifelong problems. Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, has been identified as a common symptom of strokes and ministrokes.

Prevalence of Photophobia During and After a Stroke

Light sensitivity can be overlooked in the catalog of symptoms that occur as part of a stroke or ministroke. As a result, we do not currently have a good understanding of how often these sensitivities present themselves during the initial phases. However, clinical research offers more insight into photophobia in the post-stroke period. Studies have shown that sensitivity to bright light can affect between 5-10% of people with ministrokes, and women may be at greater risk.

Features of Post-Stroke Photophobia

There does not appear to be any major difference between a person who develops photophobia after a stroke versus any other light-sensitive condition. It regularly occurs with a headache, which often presents as a tension-type headache, as well as other sensory sensitivities, including sound sensitivity or phonophobia. It can be experienced as "pain due to light exposure", along with other reactions such as:

• Headache or migraine attack from light exposure
• Eye symptoms like squinting, eye strain, eye pain, and redness
• Avoidance of or lower threshold for bright light
• Anxiousness, panic, and other emotional symptoms
• Pattern glare sensitivity, or ocular discomfort when viewing certain visual stimuli

Risk Factors for Photophobia After a Stroke

One of the biggest determinants that can increase the likelihood of post-stroke photophobia is the presence of a comorbid condition. Persistent headache after a stroke or ministroke is perhaps the most common, and patients who already have migraines prior to suffering a stroke are at greater risk of developing or having recurring headaches and related symptoms after the attack. There is also evidence that people diagnosed with migraine with aura, particularly women, are generally at greater risk of stroke.

Improving Light Sensitivity After a Stroke

The combination of physical therapy and/or occupational therapy can be effective tools in supporting stroke patients and improving their health and wellbeing in all facets of their life, including helping to address lingering post-stroke symptoms such as light sensitivity. Therapeutic glasses for light sensitivity, such as TheraSpecs, can also be recommended by physical and occupational therapists to help manage light sensitivity and other symptoms triggered by light.

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