[DannyT]

I feel that my photophobia and photophobia are extremely severe. I am a unique case and this is terrifying to me.

I can't wake up with out sunglasses on and earplugs in. It is a depressing way to live. I was able to listen to some podcasts but now I can't again. I can't go out in public at all do to noise and light stimuli. I can't be around my girlfriend because of normal household noises. Cars passing by are too loud for me.

I don't know how to push on. I haven't read anywhere of someone with persisting issues like this for almost a year.

[Mark in Idaho]

Have you tried to get an Audio Evoked Potential and Visual Evoked Potential test to see if there is anything that can be done. Maybe a neuro would recognize something that can be treated with a med.

[JBuckl]

Danny,

I've gone through something similar. It's no fun.

The second time around, I started with small increments of time without glasses until it got better. Then I got a syntonic phototherapy machine and it helped sound sensitivity a ton. Ask if any hospitals with developmental optometrists have it.

Also if you can, keep the plugs out in quiet rooms and before you go to bed. It's a small start.

Hang in there! It will get better.

[DannyT]

Thanks for the suggestions. Will look into them.

Mark,

What is a evoked potential? Something they pick up on EEG?

JBuck,

I've tried this exposure therapy. It's really difficult now because I'm extremely anxious due to some medication issues. It makes perfect sense to try and transition the brain back to normal activity.

[Mark in Idaho]

AEP and VEP tests are done in an EEG or qEEG.

From my distant observation, I think your primary issue is anxiety. Finding ways to settle your brain would be an important early step before other symptoms are pursued.

What kind of doctor is prescribing your meds ?

[DannyT]

Gabapentin - Neurologist
Lorazepam - Psychiatrist

[DannyT]

By the way, I agree that my primary symptom is anxiety as well. I've had anxiety/OCD since I was a child and this has been greatly exacerbated by my brain injuries.

I would be doing much better if not for this damn Gabapentin fiasco. It puts me on a steeper roller coaster than the PCS one.

[Mokey]

I don't want to discourage you. I want to encourage you by saying that I had it very very badly for a very long time. it is complete hell. I know what you're going through. When our whole sensory system is hurting, it hurts to exist.

There are number of things you can do. Vision assessment and therapy is extremely important. It made a huge difference to me to stay in the dark, wear sunglasses, get blue Blocker lenses in all of my glasses, get prisms.

Finding ways to cut out sound. Ear plugs, noise filters etc.
Vestibular assessment.

All of these systems are all interrelated in the brain.
Little by little. The more little things you address, the better off you will be. And things can improve. It's an entry where you have to be patient. Keep trying to get through each hour. Dig deep. The brain continues to heal forever. Take care. Don't lose hope.

[Mark in Idaho]

DannyT,

In case you did not see my other reply, get some magnesium citrate to help with gabapentin withdrawal.