A Qualitative Study of Stroke Survivors’ Experience of Sensory Changes

Abstract

Background. Previous literature examined tactile and proprioceptive changes after stroke; however, the lived experience of changes in all sensory systems is still a gap in the literature. Purpose. To gain understanding of stroke survivors’ experience of sensory changes and how sensory changes impact participation in daily life activities. Method. This study utilized a qualitative description method. Researchers used semi-structured interviews with probing questions. Inductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Researchers recruited 13 stroke survivors ≤75 years old who participated in a community-based stroke program. Findings. Emerging themes included daily life impact of sensory function changes, and experience and timing of sensory changes. Participants experienced changes in various sensory systems including touch and proprioception, visual, auditory, and taste. Survivors also reported sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Sensory changes affect survivors’ participation in different aspects of daily life activities. Most participants experienced sensory changes right after their stroke. Implications. Results from this study inform health care providers about stroke survivors’ sensory needs to help them design interventions that match their needs.

Sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury: A systematic review

“…Even though the prevalence and severity of sensory hypersensitivity seem to decrease at a group level (Barker‐Collo et al, 2018; Shepherd et al, 2021), the evolution of sensory hypersensitivity also varies inter‐individually with some patients reporting earlier or greater alleviations of symptoms as compared to others (Alwawi et al, 2020; Truong et al, 2014). Truong et al (2014), for instance, reported that a reduction in light hypersensitivity was only present in 50% of their sample of 62 mTBI patients and that alleviation of light hypersensitivity was lower in patients who reported other comorbid post‐concussion symptoms (such as auditory hypersensitivity).…”

“…However, as illustrated in Figure 5, atypical sensory sensitivity is not limited to light or noise sensitivity but can extend across different modalities. Furthermore, the limited number of results regarding sensory sensitivity after stroke (Alwawi et al, 2020; Carlsson et al, 2004; Carlsson et al, 2009; Chung & Song, 2016; Wehling et al, 2015) or moderate to severe TBI (Goodrich et al, 2014; Knoll, Lubner, et al, 2020b) indicate that atypical sensory sensitivity is also prevalent after more severe brain injury. To date, there is no validated measure that is adapted to acquired brain injury that can be used in patients with severe cognitive disabilities, and can assess sensory sensitivity across all modalities (visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, olfactory and vestibular).…”

“…There is evidence that the prevalence and severity of sensory hypersensitivity decreases within the first year after a mTBI (Barker‐Collo et al, 2018; Shepherd et al, 2021) (see Figure 6), nevertheless the symptomatology remained substantial in the chronic stage after brain injury (e.g. Alwawi et al, 2020; Truong et al, 2014). The recovery of atypical sensory sensitivity after brain injury shows inter‐ and intra‐individual variation (Alwawi et al, 2020; Rabinowitz & Fisher, 2020; Truong et al, 2014), which could be due to an influence of other covariates (such as medical background, coping or comorbid symptomatology).…”

“…Chandran et al, 2020; Chorney et al, 2017; Elliott et al, 2018; Kumar et al, 2005; Shepherd et al, 2019). Thirdly, acquired brain injury patients report that their sensory sensitivity symptoms are often not addressed by health care providers, increasing patients' feelings of anxiety and stress (Alwawi et al, 2020; Landon et al, 2012). Since an evidence‐based treatment protocol is not yet available, early interventions including adequate diagnosis and evidence‐based psychoeducation are needed to facilitate recovery and adaptive coping.…”

“…sensory hypersensitivity) or underwhelming (i.e. sensory hyposensitivity) (Alwawi et al, 2020; Chung & Song, 2016; Kumar et al, 2005). These symptoms are subjective by nature and can occur across different sensory modalities (i.e.…”