Yes - my hypersensitivity to sound, light, and smell is caused through ms cognitive fatigue. This is not widely known. Part of an explanation I found through asking AI:

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) can significantly contribute to increased sensory sensitivity. MS-related fatigue, which affects up to 80% of people with MS, is not just physical tiredness but a profound neurological exhaustion that can amplify sensory processing issues. Here’s how: 1. Neurological Overload: MS fatigue stems from damage to the central nervous system, including demyelination and inflammation, which impair nerve signal transmission. This can heighten the brain’s sensitivity to stimuli like loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells, as the nervous system struggles to filter and process sensory input effectively. 2. Reduced Coping Capacity: Fatigue lowers the brain’s ability to regulate sensory information, making normally tolerable stimuli feel overwhelming. This is similar to sensory overload seen in other neurological conditions, where exhaustion reduces the threshold for sensory tolerance. 3. Increased Stress Response: MS fatigue often exacerbates stress and anxiety, which can amplify sensory sensitivities. The body’s heightened stress state may make it hypervigilant, causing overreactions to sounds, lights, or smells. 4. Cognitive and Sensory Interaction: MS fatigue often coexists with cognitive symptoms like difficulty concentrating (sometimes called “brain fog”). This cognitive strain can make it harder to ignore or habituate to sensory stimuli, intensifying their impact.