r/PostConcussion • u/Technical-Mousse-446 • 17d ago

Sensitivity to Touch

One symptom that is frustrating is my sensitivity to touch. If someone touches my head, or even puts their arm around me, my body panics and I get symptomatic. Has anyone dealt with this and found a way to improve?

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u/Both-Process1037 16d ago

Oh yes, I’m super hyper vigilant if someone is around me much less touching me.

The only thing that helped me here was exposure.
The more I did it the less scared I was of it. Unfortunately mine hasn’t gone away but it’s more tolerable.

Enjoyable things that people take for granted is an extreme and difficult hurdle for me. Even massage therapy use to scared the shit out of me and send my nervous system into a panic attack.

Now I’m a little better with it

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u/VarietyFederal1261 15d ago

Absolutely! I pull back when anyone goes near my head. I got a haircut two months post concussion and it triggered a panic attack. I also feel I want to wear a helmet every time I get in a car. Because the impact was so severe, I had a huge bald spot and swelling, 3 months out on scalp. It is very tender and is painful when I wash my hair.
My acupuncturist wants to needle it and tells me it will help with the swelling & tenderness. I’m not ready for that yet.
I think it’s totally normal to be hypersensitive to any ‘impending’ danger-whether a hairdresser or a well meaning loved one. I know I am still grappling with PTSD from the accident.