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Epilepsy and Sensory Overload

Sun, 10/29/2006 - 20:57
I have temporal lobe epilepsy with simple partial seizures. I also struggle with something I call sensory overload. I know that is a term for autism, but it is the best way to describe what is happening to me. I have difficulty when there is too much stimulation in the room. I become very agitated if, for example, there is music playing while the TV is on and people are talking. Add too many people to the stimulation and I become very stressed. If I cannot turn off the music and TV, I must leave the room. This agitation and stress is especially strong when I am around children because they tend to create a lot of stimulation with loud voices, banging and thumping from their physical activity, and they lack an understanding for personal space and often run/bump into me. I know too much noise can annoy anyone, but from what I have observed my agitation is much stronger than others in the same situation. Is the sensory overload problem just another one of my issues or could there be some correlation between that and my epilepsy?

Comments

For a few days after a

Submitted by kastuff4711 on Tue, 2019-03-26 - 20:24
For a few days after a seizure, all my senses are dialed up to 15. And not in a superhero way. In a overwhelming, panic attack way. Normal lights are blinding. Background noise hurts my ears. Mild smells are nauseating. Bland foods are overwhelming. Taking a shower is like being pelted with gravel. It gets milder every day after a seizure. If ,of course, the added stress and anxiety attacks from the sensitivity doesn't cause another seizure.Nice to see i'm not tthe only one. I've looked for info on this online, but haven't found any info on this issue.

Re: Epilepsy and Sensory Overload

Submitted by ekoorb on Sun, 2006-10-29 - 22:46
I don't know if there is a a correlation but people can have Sensory Intergration issues. This is not autism although I have read before it could be part of the spectrum. A person can be treated for sensory issues through an occupational therapist with specific training in this area. I am only familiar with therapists who work with children but there must be some out there who would work with adults who were never treated for this as a child. It is worth looking into. There also are books out there that specifically discuss sensory intergration issues.

Re: Re: Epilepsy and Sensory Overload

Submitted by Bedge on Sun, 2006-10-29 - 23:05
Hi Ya, I think i get something similar. I'm in the process of getting diagnosed with TLE, simple and complex partials. If there is to much to look at, I freak out. Like in shopping centres, all the colours, vastness, nosies etc cause me problems. I just wrote in my blog about freaking out while doing the shopping yesterday! haha. I just feel as though I can't process it all, and its just all to much. If I am in a simple partial all similar I have to be in complete silence. Even if the TV is on it drives me nuts and I can't look at anything. I'm in the begining stages of diagnosis, but I shall bring this up with my Neuro on my next appointment. Will report back with my findings as it may be of interest to you. ------------------------------ Peace, Love, Mung Beans

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