Neurophysiological and Biochemical Correlations of Sensory Hypersensitivity: A Multimodal EEG and Study of Salivary Microelements and Antioxidants

Sensory hypersensitivity, which is characterized by heightened reactivity to auditory, tactile, visual, or olfactory stimuli, remains poorly understood in neurotypical populations. This study investigated the neurophysiological and biochemical correlations of sensory hypersensitivity in healthy adults using EEG, psychometric assessments, and determination of salivary microelements and salivary antioxidant potential. Participants ( N  = 50) were stratified into hypersensitive (HS) and non-hypersensitive (NHS) groups across four sensory modalities. EEG revealed distinct event-related potential (ERP) patterns, including reduced P100 and N270 amplitudes in HS groups during multimodal stimulation. Biochemical analysis showed that visual hypersensitivity was associated with altered copper and iron dynamics, while tactile and auditory hypersensitivity correlated with antioxidant depletion following sensory exposure. Additionally, we found the differences in fractal dimension (FD) and power spectral density (PSD) with lower FD in olfactory-sensitive individuals and reduced beta1 activity in auditory-sensitive participants. Self-reports confirmed higher anxiety, fatigue, and irritation in HS groups. These findings suggest that sensory hypersensitivity involves a complex interplay of cortical hyperexcitability, oxidative stress, and trace element imbalance, supporting the potential for targeted interventions such as antioxidant supplementation or sensory modulation therapies.