‘Sensory storm’ is a term used to describe episodes of sensory turmoil which lead to excessive activity in the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system.
It is a common experience in patients with myalgic encephalopathy (ME/CFS). During a sensory storm patients feel as if their body’s involuntary functions are completely out of control and that their survival is at stake. Essentially, the body’s reaction is one of confused and disproportionate interpretation of normal sensory messages such as a sudden loud sound or a peculiar odour. This then causes inappropriate bodily reactions such as severe sweating without being cold, a dry throat, profound metallic tastes in the mouth, breathing difficulty and stomach cramps. There is also hypersensitivity to light, vibration, speed, and even slight changes in posture or balance. All of this is amplified by excessive autonomic nervous system defensive responses which cause even more bodily symptoms such as dizziness, cold and pale skin, muscle weakness, low blood pressure and fast pulse rate. (See also dysautonomia).
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