Symptom 5: Sensory Problems – DAI’s Distorted Perception of Reality
Sensory problems are often part of the symptomatic lineup in Diffuse Axonal Injury. Individuals may report issues related to sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch. This could range from partial or total loss of any of these senses to experiencing distortions in sensory perception. For instance, a person might notice that their favorite meal doesn’t taste the same anymore, or familiar sounds seem unusually loud or soft.
The explanation lies in the brain’s role as the central processing unit for sensory information. Each sense is governed by a specific region in the brain. When DAI occurs, it can cause damage to these regions, leading to a disconnect between the sensory organs and the brain. As a result, the brain may not accurately process the sensory data it receives, leading to a myriad of sensory issues.
These sensory problems can present differently in different individuals. Some people might experience these issues in one particular sense, like vision or hearing, while others might report problems across multiple senses. Furthermore, the degree of impairment can also vary, with some individuals facing mild annoyances while others deal with significant sensory loss.
Recognizing sensory problems involves being attentive to the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in a person’s sensory experiences. For instance, do they complain about changes in the way things taste or smell? Are they struggling with tasks that require good hand-eye coordination? Answers to these questions can provide valuable clues pointing towards a potential case of DAI.
The impact of sensory problems can be considerable, affecting an individual’s daily life and their ability to interact with their environment. Despite this, they often remain under the radar, overshadowed by more apparent symptoms. Therefore, recognizing these issues and addressing them can greatly enhance the quality of care and life of individuals suffering from DAI. (5)
