can't be overstimulation if I can drive for an hour
 

Fri and again today I had to drive my daughter to the train station (which is half hour in each direction).

I definately don't feel great...but I don't feel that awful either (well no worse is what I should say).

So...my thinking all along that all these feelings in my head (and neck, teeth, jaw) might not be necessarily coming from overstimulation .

Are you guys in agreement???

I have NO cognitive issues. No memory issues...etc. But I do feel awful if I shop in a store, sit with someone for an hour or so for lunch, I just can't figure it all out. Is talking causing a lot of the problems??

I should probably just get on with my day and not worry what's too much for me, but I just don't know how. I'm soooo afraid of feeling like crap that I try to limit everything. I analyze my day all day!

My sleeping is awful....and I seem to blame it on overstimulation. Like my brain just can't settle down after I have had a long mentally stimulating day (like more tv, driving, out with friends, etc.)

what are your thoughts here?

From what I understand, part of the problem is that your brain loses the ability to automatically filter out things you don't need to pay attention to. So, when you are in a busy setting, your brain is working extra hard trying to figure out what you need to attend to and what you don't.

I believe this is why just BEING in a busy or highly multisensory setting can induce symptoms, even if you are not really interacting with it in any way.

Not sure why, but driving does NOT seem to bother my hubby much either. Seems to me like all the motion, stuff to process, etc would be an issue - but it's not.

He's like you with the stores & conversation. TV is his best friend now - no issues there either.

Oddly, he has the same problem falling asleep you describe. This from a man that (prior to TBI) could fall asleep ANYWHERE, ANYTIME in 5 minutes or less. Now, HE lays awake at night trying to go to sleep. (I confess - I'm a BAADDD wife - I find this rather amusing at times since I have ALWAYS had a hard time falling asleep. lol)

Sorry - no answers for you. Just wanted to say it's the same situation here. I would tend to think your head issues described ARE from overstimulation in addition to just being messed up for the time being. I'd say listen to your body & I dont think you CAN be too careful during this healing stage.

Are you taking any meds? Could they be contributing to your trouble sleeping?

Do you have severe regression of symptoms if you do an activity that sends tremors to your head (even walking too briskly, trotting down stairs, etc)? Thats a REAL severe problem for hubby.

Peace, grace & healing to you...
Amy

Amy -- does your hubby have trouble staying asleep as well? I think I only cat napped last night. I was in bed from 11 to 8am and if I slept 3 hours that was a lot. I went to the dentist yesterday for my mouthguard (for tmj which they think is adding to the headache issues), cooked dinner, etc. Then went to back to school night switching classes for my son (there less than 2 hours). I came home and watched some tv. I didn't have a slamming headache when I went to bed so I was encouraged by this (didn't feel great, but not too bad).

HA! THen I tried to sleep...I was actually in so much pain...all down my neck by my ears, etc. I also get this weird sense of my mind just racing. I can't really explain it. Sort of like as if you put the tv on fast forward ...