Follow us: hu Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244 Donate Home About brain injury Individuals Brain injury and me Fireworks after brain ... Share your story Share your story with us to help others affected by brain injury Fireworks after brain injury We discuss the challenges that fireworks can cause after brain injury Fireworks are a common symbol of celebration and can be impressive to watch. However, the flashing lights and loud noises can be a challenge for brain injury survivors to cope with, in addition to the crowds of people that come with organised displays. We asked our social media followers whether the effects of their brain injury make firework displays hard to enjoy. Factors such as noise sensitivity and issues with light were highlighted, as well as bangs causing flashbacks and nervousness. Loud noises make me jump and my heart beats faster until I can calm down. This is a feeling shared by Jenny Romeo who said, “I struggle with any loud noises. Makes me relapse every time. I try and avoid.” Anthony Potter said: “Fireworks and loud noises aren’t a problem for me. The problem comes when there are lots of different sounds at the same time, I think it’s called sensory overload. I get really agitated really quickly.” Jenny Thornton still enjoys fireworks following her brain injury, however only from a distance, saying: “If they are let off when I'm not expecting them I go into panic mode, triggers my PTSD as I don't know where they're coming from or if they're going to end up hitting me.” There may be ways to watch and enjoy fireworks whilst reducing the impact they have on your brain injury effects. Michael Glenn said: “You can wear glasses to dim down the brightness effects if you want to try and enjoy a display. You can also wear headphones and listen to music to drown out the thunderous bangs some fireworks make. Or wear the less noticeable in-ear foam earplugs made specifically for noise reduction.” Following her brain injury, Deborah Johnston struggles with loud noises and experiences photophobia. She also recommends sunglasses and earplugs: I wear sunglasses from the RNIB and earplugs, but even then sometimes I can’t manage it. Joe England prefers to avoid fireworks altogether, saying: “Sensory overload… “I'll stay in bed with my headphones on, curtains firmly closed.” Fireworks and the law The use of fireworks is regulated and irresponsible usage can be reported. Fireworks should not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for: Bonfire night (when the cut off is midnight) New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year (when the cut off is 1am) Private fireworks should only be set off on private land, or on land with the permission of the landowner. Therefore, if a neighbour is causing you or your family distress by their improper use of fireworks you can report it to the police or the council. Back to stories index Effects of brain injury Find out about some of the main difficulties that arise after brain injury, together with some suggestions as to how to deal with them. Find out more Related resources The effects of brain injury Visual problems after brain injury Friends of Headway Individual membership Join/Renew Contact Us t: 0115 924 0800 e: enquiries@headway.org.uk Help us improve life after brain injury. Donate Improving life after brain injury 0808 800 2244 Call our free helpline 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email helpline@headway.org.uk Join our online Community 27k Likes 25k Followers 3k Subscribers Privacy policy Cookies Terms & Conditions Accessibility Contact Us Resource centre Find a Headway Approved care providers Charity shops Fundraising comments, feedback and complaints Vacancies Join our mailing list Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893. © Copyright Headway 2021 - Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker By clicking 'Accept All Cookies’ you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. This will help us to offer the best possible experience and develop more of the information you need. Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings