Increased defensiveness to sensory input

Posted by clanmacjammies @clanmacjammies, Oct 29 1:29pm

Along with debilitating fatigue, I am experiencing increased sensitivity to auditory, visual, and tactile input. I don't think there have been actual changes to the sensory systems themselves, but that I simply lack the energy to tolerate aversive input that was tolerable when I had more energy to cope with it. As a pediatric OT, my go-to intervention for sensory defensiveness would be deep pressure ( proprioceptive input), but I don't know if that will work in this case. I am definitely going to try it, though - I will add a weighted blanket to my scheduled Rest Periods. I will continue using sensory-specific interventions too, like ear plugs and closing my eyes. I'm very curious what others have experienced, if anybody has tried deep pressure, and with what level of success. I have not done a literature review on this topic yet, but if anyone has run across any articles related to sensory processing difficulties in Long COVID, I would sure appreciate a heads up. My hypothesis is that it's the shortage of energy that makes me less able to cope with aversive sensations, and that the effort to cope is, itself, exhausting. Thanks so much for any feedback you may be able to offer.

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klf58 | @klf58 | Oct 30 7:00am

I have this, but just assumed it was part of my pre-existing PTSD hypervigilance, but worse since covid. Best of luck to you.

clanmacjammies | @clanmacjammies | Oct 30 7:46am

Thank you - and to you as well.

vostie | @vostie | Oct 30 1:59pm

My long covid sensory overload has gotten better on Naltrexone...as it has balanced my immune system and decreased inflammation. I still can get too much stress and have symptoms but not as bad as they were.

Some docs think the sensory overload is from all of the long covid neuroinflammation.

pdoubrava | @pdoubrava | Oct 30 3:52pm

I too was diagnosed with ptsd many yrs ago. Therapy gave me great tools and i have used them succesfully most of the time. I am still ultra sensitive to bright light and loud sounds. I went to a car wash recently where my car was surrounded by neon colored lights and loud sounds. It triggered my parasympathetic nervous system. I have a speech i give myself when i feel inappropriate fear. I tell myself that im safe, my mind is trying to protect me but the danger is not real. I then did the physiological sigh. It helps!! It toom me yrs to be able to do this. If i can do it, anyone can. The brain is so awesome and powerful. The fact that we actually can control our brain is real. Its all about ur internal dialogue. Change the story ur brain is stuck on. Be gentle with yourself. My inner voice is my best support system. Its kind and says this too shall pass.

clanmacjammies | @clanmacjammies | Oct 30 4:47pm

Thank you for your positive approach to all this! Super helpful, as the whole experience is new to me.

carlosmayo | @carlosmayo | Oct 31 12:16pm

I had photophobia with my Long Covid that was so severe that I could not work on a computer. Natrexone and Abilify have completely cleared up my photophobia and I am now able to work on the computer as much as I want.
Best wishes to you
Carlos