Brain Injury – Sensitivity to sound or light

More than 18,000 hospitalizations occurred in Florida in 2012 due to traumatic brain injury, according to Florida Health. Short-term and long-term symptoms can occur following traumatic brain injury (TBI). One symptom many brain injury victims suffer from is sensitivity to light, or photophobia. Sensitivity to sound, or hyperacusis, is also common.

Photophobia can occur immediately after TBI and can be a lingering side-effect of post concussion syndrome (PCS). More than half of all TBI victims who develop post concussion syndrome suffer from some type of visual disorder, with photophobia the most common problem. Even a mild TBI can result in light sensitivity that lingers for days, weeks or months.

Victims suffering from light sensitivity could become dizzy or experience vertigo. A general feeling of malaise is common. Some photophobia sufferers will become nauseated or will experience discomfort when visual stimuli move rapidly. Reading and looking at a computer can become difficult or impossible.

Hyperacusis is also very common, and victims who experience this oversensitivity to sound may have difficulty going to gathering places where there are lots of people and lots of noises. Even going to the grocery store, restaurants, or the office can become painful when you become hyper aware of environmental noises.

Work performance may be impacted for photophobia or hyperacusis sufferers, and some victims must wear sunglasses or ear filters. In severe cases, more aggressive treatments may be needed. Financial loss can occur due to costs of care; pain; and reduced income. If the TBI and resulting sensitivity to light or sound was caused by the negligence of another individual or company, TBI sufferers should consult with a brain injury lawyer for help making a claim to receive compensation for loss.