Sensory Hypersensitivity After Brain Injury: (III) From Assessment to Intervention - Stress and mindfulness-based approaches

Sensory hypersensitivity, meaning an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, is a prevalent complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI) and can have a substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life. In these webinars, we provide an introduction to sensory hypersensitivity after ABI, including its clinical presentation, diagnostic assessment, and underlying mechanisms. We also discuss current treatment options and practical approaches to supporting people who experience sensory hypersensitivity.

This session will examine stress as a possible underlying mechanism contributing to sensory hypersensitivity in ABI. We will discuss how stress responses may interact with sensory processing and explore mindfulness as a potential treatment approach. Practical exercises and clinical applications will complement the theoretical framework.

There will be 4 sessions to hypersensitivity after brain injury. Each session can be booked individuely. Every session will cover both theory and clinical practice. Please check out our website.

29.01.2027 (I) From Assessment to Intervention - Assessment and conceptual framework; Dr. M.Sc. Marilien Marzolla & Dr. M.Sc. Hella Thielen, Online

26.02.2027 (II) From Assessment to Intervention - Psychoeducation and cognitive mechanisms; Dr. M.Sc. Hella Thielen & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

23.04.2027 (IV) From Assessment to Intervention - Anxiety, coping, and exposurebased Approaches; M.Sc. Nora Tuts & M.Sc. Jasmijn Heijman, Online

References (more will be included in the sessions):

Thielen H, Tuts N, Welkenhuyzen L, Huenges Wajer IMC, Lafosse C, Gillebert CR. Sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury: A systematic review. J Neuropsychol. 2023 Mar;17(1):1-31. doi: 10.1111/jnp.12284. Epub 2022 Jun 30. PMID: 35773750.

Heijman, J. O., Marzolla, M. C., Thielen, H., K, S., Königs, M., Gillebert, C., Van Heugten, C., Van der Stoep, N., & Huenges Wajer, I. (2026). A Neuropsychological Perspective of Sensory Hypersensitivity after Acquired Brain Injury. [Manuscipt accepted for publication].

Speaker:

Nora Tuts is a PhD candidate in neuropsychology and a practicing clinical neuropsychologist. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Maastricht University in collaboration with the Limburg Brain Injury Centre. Her research focuses on common consequences of brain injury, such as sensory hypersensitivity and fatigue, and the use of psychological treatments (including mindfulness) for people with acquired brain injury. She is trained as a clinical psychologist (U Gent) and clinical neuropsychologist (KU Leuven), and is a certified mindfulness trainer. Nora Tuts | LinkedIn

Dr. Marilien Marzolla is a researcher and lecturer at Maastricht University. She has extensive experience in clinical neuropsychological research and has worked with diverse groups of individuals with acquired brain injury. Following her time in Oxford, where she conducted research on treatments for motor impairments in stroke patients, she completed her PhD at Maastricht University in collaboration with the Limburg Brain Injury Centre. Her research focuses on sensory hypersensitivity, as well as individual differences in this, both in people with acquired brain injury and in the general population. She investigates the factors that explain why some individuals experience sensory overload and sensitivity while others do not, and she is actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving treatment approaches and increasing awareness and education on this topic. Marilien Marzolla | LinkedIn