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Can Central Sensitization cause Vision issues?

Posted by swimbikerun @swimbikerun, May 12, 2022

I have been diagnosed with CSS and was wondering if this could also lead to vision issues/inflammation with nerves impacting vision. Not having difficulty seeing, per say, but challenges with perception of location. Hard to explain but for instance when driving feeling like other cars are getting too close to you when driving side by side on multi lane roads/highway. I live in a crazy busy city so they very well may be driving crazy and too close but my reaction to it is stronger than it use to be/should be. I’ve had vision checked and was fine aside from far sightedness that I’ve had for ever and is corrected by glasses. Also have dry eye syndrome. Anyway, just trying to figure out possible causes and thought I would start here.

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | May 12, 2022

Hi there @swimbikerun. You've explained what you experience just fine. I understand and get what you're describing as I myself experience visual flares while driving. It can be weird stuff! It's appropriate that you mention your city is crazy busy with multilane highways. This is a good analogy of CSS and how the central nervous system has the ability to heighten sensors and allow for an overreactive experience with something as simple as driving.

I'm happy to know you have had your eyes examined and feel confident that you are not having actual vision problems. That is huge! When in doubt its always best to rule out acute issues with your doctors.

Feeling what you describe can be alarming and confusing. From my personal experience, being a graduate of Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC), I was able to really embrace CSS and learn how my body and its hypersensitivities were affecting me in numerous ways. Also, how to manage the plethora of sometimes odd and altering symptoms like your driving experience.

I believe you and I chatted in the past about PRC. Have you learned more about CSS or given consideration to attending the program? Last I recall, your Mayo doctors were encouraging you to do so. Any thoughts or plans?

REPLY
1 reply
swimbikerun | @swimbikerun | May 12, 2022
In reply to @rwinney "Hi there @swimbikerun. You've explained what you experience just fine. I understand and get what you're..." + (show)
@rwinney

Hi there @swimbikerun. You've explained what you experience just fine. I understand and get what you're describing as I myself experience visual flares while driving. It can be weird stuff! It's appropriate that you mention your city is crazy busy with multilane highways. This is a good analogy of CSS and how the central nervous system has the ability to heighten sensors and allow for an overreactive experience with something as simple as driving.

I'm happy to know you have had your eyes examined and feel confident that you are not having actual vision problems. That is huge! When in doubt its always best to rule out acute issues with your doctors.

Feeling what you describe can be alarming and confusing. From my personal experience, being a graduate of Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC), I was able to really embrace CSS and learn how my body and its hypersensitivities were affecting me in numerous ways. Also, how to manage the plethora of sometimes odd and altering symptoms like your driving experience.

I believe you and I chatted in the past about PRC. Have you learned more about CSS or given consideration to attending the program? Last I recall, your Mayo doctors were encouraging you to do so. Any thoughts or plans?

Jump to this post

Yes, I am scheduled for the program in a few weeks. In the meantime driving is becoming more problematic so just trying to find ways to address as this may even impact my ability to get to the clinic as it would be a considerably long drive.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | May 12, 2022
In reply to @swimbikerun "Yes, I am scheduled for the program in a few weeks. In the meantime driving is..." + (show)
@swimbikerun

Yes, I am scheduled for the program in a few weeks. In the meantime driving is becoming more problematic so just trying to find ways to address as this may even impact my ability to get to the clinic as it would be a considerably long drive.

Jump to this post

@swimbikerun Congrats on the program in a few weeks! Do you have family or friends that can help you out with driving as needed? Can you take public transportation, or stay nearby Mayo?

REPLY
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Jun 21, 2022
In reply to @swimbikerun "Yes, I am scheduled for the program in a few weeks. In the meantime driving is..." + (show)
@swimbikerun

Yes, I am scheduled for the program in a few weeks. In the meantime driving is becoming more problematic so just trying to find ways to address as this may even impact my ability to get to the clinic as it would be a considerably long drive.

Jump to this post

Hello @swimbikerun -
It's been over a few weeks since we last connected and I wanted to wish you the best of luck while at the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center. I know that the program can be intense. Ultimately the goal is to set yourself up for success, and that does not always line up with returning to an online community. However, if you do check back in, I want you to know that I think it's AWESOME you went to Mayo PRC and I believe you will find the help you needed, and a great plan to advocate for yourself in finding a positive path forward with symptom management and better life quality. All the best to you!

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