One overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sensory overload. Noise, lights, and crowds cause panic and lead to feeling overwhelmed. Many with MS do not realize sensory overload is a symptom. It feels confusing when it first happens.

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about sensory overload that resonated with many readers. The insights and responses from the community are worth sharing!

Loud noise and bright lights

Many respondents shared how challenging lights and noise are for their MS symptoms. Bombarding the eyes and ears with stimuli is triggering. The body wants to turn inward and shut everything out. This is tricky when out in a public place.

“I find that I can’t be in noisy situations any longer as it makes me really physically uncomfortable.”

“I used to attempt to turn the road noise down with the volume on the car’s radio!”

“Grocery stores are what get me!! Lighting, overhead announcements, kids crying, all the colors on the shelves.”

“I can barely stand to leave the house because I honestly can’t stand the sun ‘screaming’ at me.”

“Crossing the street, especially evenings and nighttime in the dark with cars turning and street noise, makes me very uncomfortable.”

Too many people

Crowds are another trigger for sensory overload. Respondents shared that being among many people is too much. The chaos and noise of crowds drain their energy. It is impossible to focus. Completing the task that took them into the crowded situation is very tough.

“I have a hard time being in a room when more than a couple of people are talking. Or if the TV is on and people are talking. Wears my brain out.”

“I try to avoid shopping centers and crowded places as they zap my energy very quickly, and then I start feeling cranky. It feels like chaos – like it’s suffocating me and I have to just get out.”

“Food courts. Period.”

“Stores!!! Holy crap, I get sensory overload so bad, even having a conversation with someone who talks too much. I need to take a nap immediately.”

Tips to help manage sensory overload

Those living with the sensory overload of MS find tricks to help them manage. Sometimes, that is choosing to stay at home. Having a controlled environment keeps them regulated. Other times, it is having tools to make the sensory overload manageable. Respondents shared what works for them.

“Sitting at home with my 2 cats, TV on low, just relaxing and reading. Ah, nice, calm, and quiet.”

“The only things I’ve found to help with this are SSRIs [drugs used to treat depression and anxiety] and noise-canceling headphones.”

“Noise-blocking headphones with Bluetooth settings reduce background noise level by about 50 percent (my estimate). They make shopping or traveling less fatiguing or less overwhelming.”

“Here’s what helps my overload in crowded noisy situations – a wheelchair. Taking away having to navigate around people and stay steady on my feet opened a whole world I didn’t know I was missing. I was able to enjoy the experience and sights without becoming too overwhelmed. I’ll use a wheelchair now wherever possible.”

“I’ve been mostly shopping online for 20 years to avoid triggers. I started grocery shopping online a few years ago, and that’s especially helpful.”