Perceptual and Sensory Dysfunctions in M.E.

Purpose

This page provides an overview of perceptual and sensory dysfunctions in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). It explains the types of symptoms patients may experience, their underlying neurological causes, and practical strategies to reduce their impact.

Key Points

1. Nature of Perceptual and Sensory Dysfunction

• Problems processing sensory information and maintaining spatial awareness
• Difficulty interpreting and responding to the environment
• Symptoms often worsen after exertion or sensory overload

2. Common Symptoms

• Spatial instability and disorientation
  • Feeling off-balance, swaying, or unsteady
  • Difficulty judging position, movement, or distance
• Vision dysfunction
  • Difficulty focusing or adjusting between near and far objects
  • Blurred vision or poor depth perception
• Sensory hypersensitivity
  • Sensitivity to:
    • Light (photophobia)
    • Sound
    • Touch
    • Smell
    • Temperature
• Perceptual distortions
  • Difficulty navigating familiar spaces
  • Feeling detached from surroundings
  • Environments may feel overwhelming or overstimulating

3. Impact of Sensory Overload

• Normal levels of sensory input can become overwhelming
• May trigger symptom worsening or a “crash”
• Can significantly limit ability to function in everyday environments

4. Underlying Physiological Causes

These symptoms are linked to biological dysfunction affecting multiple systems:

• Neurological and brainstem dysfunction
  • Impaired processing of sensory information
  • Disruption of balance and motor coordination
• Orthostatic intolerance
  • Reduced blood flow to the brain when upright
  • Worsens dizziness and spatial instability
• Neuroinflammation
  • Ongoing inflammation within the brain
  • Contributes to abnormal sensory processing
• Autonomic dysfunction
  • Impaired regulation of sensory and physiological responses

5. Functional Impact

• Difficulty moving safely or maintaining balance
• Reduced ability to tolerate busy or noisy environments
• Increased fatigue and cognitive strain
• Greater risk of crashes due to sensory overload

6. Management and Mitigation Strategies

• Control sensory environment
  • Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
  • Wear sunglasses or use dim lighting
• Pacing
  • Limit time in stimulating environments
  • Break activities into manageable periods
• Vision support
  • Use appropriate visual aids
  • Adjust screen settings and lighting
• Occupational therapy
  • Adapt daily activities to reduce sensory and spatial strain

Target Audience

This information is intended for:

• People living with M.E.
• Carers and family members
• Healthcare professionals
• Researchers and advocates

Overall Outcome

This page highlights that perceptual and sensory dysfunctions are a core part of M.E., driven by neurological and autonomic abnormalities rather than simple sensitivity or anxiety.

Understanding these symptoms helps:

• Improve symptom management
• Reduce sensory-triggered crashes
• Support safer daily functioning
• Increase awareness of the neurological nature of M.E.

Key Summary Statement

Perceptual and sensory dysfunction in M.E. reflects underlying neurological and autonomic disruption, leading to hypersensitivity, disorientation, and increased vulnerability to sensory overload.