The Neuro Collective Podcast

Part 6: The Parietal Lobes: Sensory Processing, Overwhelm & Your Brain’s Internal Map- Episode 178

Dr. Michael Bagnell & May Bagnell

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In this episode of The Neuro Collective Podcast, Dr. Michael and May Bagnell,IHP continue their Inside the Brain series with a fascinating deep dive into the parietal lobes — the brain regions responsible for sensory processing, body awareness, spatial orientation, attention, and sensory integration. Discover why some people feel easily overstimulated, overwhelmed in busy environments, disconnected from their body, or mentally exhausted after sensory-heavy experiences like crowded stores, concerts, airports, or loud restaurants.

Learn how the parietal lobes act as your brain’s internal mapping system, helping you understand where your body is in space through proprioception, movement, touch, and coordination. Dr. Bagnell explains how these brain regions influence everything from clumsiness and coordination to focus, filtering information, visual processing, and emotional overwhelm. The episode also explores how conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, concussion, stroke, apraxia, and sensory processing challenges may involve parietal lobe dysfunction — and how functional neurology can help retrain and strengthen these systems.

You’ll also discover practical ways to support your brain naturally, including reducing sensory overload, improving nervous system regulation, using intentional movement and cross-body exercises, creating visual calm, and strengthening body awareness through activities like yoga, stretching, grounding, and water therapy. Whether you’re a neuroscience enthusiast, a parent navigating sensory challenges, or someone trying to understand why your brain feels overloaded, this episode offers powerful insight into how the brain processes the world around you — and how healing and regulation are possible.

Highlights from this episode:

  • What the parietal lobes actually do
  • Why busy environments can feel exhausting
  • The connection between sensory overload and anxiety
  • How the brain maps the body through proprioception
  • Clumsiness, coordination, and brain function
  • Parietal lobes and ADHD, dyslexia, concussion, and sensory issues
  • Functional neurology approaches for brain retraining
  • Simple ways to support sensory regulation and brain health

Because when the brain processes the world differently, life can feel overwhelming — but understanding the brain is the first step toward healing.