Are you asking, “What are sensory processing disorders?” after recently experiencing a brain injury? As the reliable treatment provider for sensory processing disorders in NYC, Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. can help.
Our healthcare professionals provide compassionate testing and effective management for your SPD symptoms. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about living with a sensory processing disorder.
What Are Sensory Processing Disorders?
A sensory processing disorder occurs when your brain has trouble regulating or interpreting the sensory information that reaches your brain. It’s a neurological condition that can affect a wide range of senses.
While Healthline reports that it commonly arises in people with ADHD, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, a brain injury can also cause it. BrainLine estimates that 2.8 million people experience traumatic brain injuries every year, but most result in only concussions. However, even these relatively minor injuries can cause issues with sensory processing.
Signs You Have a Sensory Neurological Disorder
According to one study by the STAR Institute, up to 16.5% of people deal with SPD symptoms. These exist on a spectrum, and how they manifest in a person may remain constant or could ebb and flow in severity. A person can have multiple symptoms that span the broad categories below.
Problems With the Traditional Five Senses
A sensory processing disorder often displays as sensory hypersensitivities or resistances. These issues can occur with any of the traditional five senses.
A person may feel overwhelmed by a normal light level. Conversely, they may become unresponsive to it.
Challenges With Mobility and Bodily Sensations
Sensory processing disorders can also affect a person’s proprioception or sense of movement. This can cause issues with balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. Dyspraxia is a type of SPD where a person has trouble organizing movements.
Meanwhile, interoception is the ability to sense the body’s internal reactions, including thirst, hunger, and pain. It can also lead to chronic stress and fatigue.
Mental Health Complications
Living with SPD can affect your mental health, manifesting in the following behaviors or feelings:
- Avoiding social situations because of sensory overload
- Developing a dependency on drugs or alcohol to cope
- Feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem
- Strong emotional reactions or outbursts to stimuli
- Feeling overwhelmed in crowds
How Neurologists Help You Cope With Processing Disorders
A neurologist can help you manage sensory processing disorders through various therapeutic tools. They’ll work in conjunction with your mental health and occupational therapists. A neurologist is one of the most qualified health practitioners to diagnose the issue.
The neurologist will rule out more serious diseases. They can also help treat other issues that may arise, such as chronic migraines or injuries that occur from poor balance.
They’ll support you in your overall journey to manage your symptoms. With occupational and mental health therapy, they’ll help you devise strategies and build up a tolerance so you can live a full life.
Tips for Overcoming Sensory Overload
If your SPD manifests as sensory overload after a TBI, practice these tips:
- Rest and save your energy before you head to a crowded event.
- Plan ahead by carrying noise-canceling headphones or scheduling a less busy time to go out.
- Build up tolerances by gradually increasing your exposure.
- Practice using multiple senses simultaneously with activities like massages, doing laundry, or working out.
- Sleep during car trips.
- Ask people to take turns speaking.
Schedule an Appointment With a Top Neurologist in NYC
Do you suspect you may have a sensory processing disorder? When you visit Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C., the top neurologist in NYC, we can help diagnose you and start forming a treatment plan. We’re the trusted New York City neurologist for age-related memory loss, chronic migraines, and more.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To book an appointment, call (347) 602-9530.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about SPD, consider these answers to the topic’s most common questions.
Can a Doctor Cure a Sensory Processing Disorder?
A doctor cannot cure sensory processing disorder. However, they can help manage your symptoms through various therapies and treatments.
Can I Live a Normal Life If I Have a Sensory Processing Disorder?
Yes, you can live a normal life with a sensory processing disorder. However, you may require some accommodations to make the symptoms more manageable.
Should I Obtain Testing for Sensory Processing Disorders After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
You don’t always have to obtain testing for sensory processing disorders after a TBI. However, your doctor will ask you to monitor yourself for signs of the condition.
