Neurologist linked fear of loud noises with multiple sclerosis

With hyperacusis, ordinary sounds (talking, clinking dishes, street noise) are perceived as excessively loud and can cause discomfort, irritation, or even pain. Galina Chudinskaya, a neurologist at Medicine JSC (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about this condition on August 25.

Chudinskaya emphasized that hyperacusis has a physiological basis and is associated with impaired processing of sound information in the central nervous system. Patients often describe symptoms as a feeling of deafening volume of ordinary sounds, the inability to be in noisy places, the occurrence of headaches and anxiety from household sounds. The condition can lead to social isolation and a significant decrease in the quality of life.

"Among the causes of hyperacusis are neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, trauma, epilepsy), lesions of the peripheral auditory system, psychiatric disorders (anxiety disorders, autism), as well as idiopathic forms when the cause remains undetected," the doctor said.

The power of shock: promising dementia drug has been tested on animals

What have the studies of the innovative drug shown in transgenic mice?

Chudinskaya paid special attention to the connection of hyperacusis with multiple sclerosis. In this disease, demyelination of nerve fibers occurs in the central parts of the auditory system, which leads to disruption of nerve impulses and excessive transmission of sound information.

The prognosis for hyperacusis depends on the cause and the timeliness of treatment. Symptoms can regress with the relief of exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, removal of tumors, the use of rehabilitation methods and stress reduction. However, with the progression of the underlying disease and the lack of adequate treatment, hyperacusis can become chronic.

The neurologist explained that hyperacusis is a serious neurological disorder that requires a comprehensive approach — a combination of drug therapy, psychotherapy and audiological support. Patients with similar symptoms are advised to consult a specialist for a comprehensive examination and the development of an individual treatment strategy.

On May 27, neurologist Vitaly Akimov told Izvestia which groups of people are most susceptible to multiple sclerosis. According to the doctor, the risk group includes young women from 12 to 40 years old, with a peak onset of the disease at 17-19 years old, with close relatives with multiple sclerosis, living in northern latitudes, who have had viral infections.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.