1. Sensory hypersensitivity after acquired brain injury: the patient perspective.
- Author
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de Sain AM, Pellikaan LWM, van Voskuilen J, Migdis M, Sommers-Spijkerman MPJ, Visser-Meily JMA, and Huenges Wajer IMC
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Adult, Aged, Fatigue etiology, Fatigue psychology, Stroke psychology, Stroke complications, Quality of Life, Brain Neoplasms psychology, Sensation Disorders etiology, Adaptation, Psychological, Brain Injuries psychology, Qualitative Research, Interviews as Topic
- Abstract
Purpose: Sensory 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 Methods: Semi-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., Results: Six 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., Conclusions: Sensory 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.
- Published
- 2024
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