ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a central nervous system injury that occurs as a result of mechanical force being applied to the body or cranium that is transmitted to the brain and its associated structures. Enduring cognitive morbidities include delayed mental processing, lack of concentration, and learning or memory deficits that adversely affect activities of daily living. Given the volume of neural tissue that subserves vision, reduction in visual performance is understandable following TBI. Following TBI, sound sensitivity (hyperacusis), similar to light sensitivity, is an important and underappreciated symptom that can arise through several mechanisms. The acute loss of auditory sensory function can limit or prevent language processing and comprehension with substantial impact on quality of life for TBI survivors. Clinical treatment for sensory sensitivities after TBI is limited to the extent that they exist at all. In the laboratory, pharmacological and rehabilitative approaches are evaluated for therapeutic efficacy.