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Acquired brain injury/concussion
Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
It is reported that 2.5 million people in the United States visit the hospital for traumatic brain injury or concussion annually, however other incidents often go unreported. (CDC)
At least 50% of the brain is involved in the visual pathways and at least 80% of sensory perception is visual. For this reason, when an acquired brain injury (trauma, stroke or tumor) disruption to visual function often occurs, resulting in visual deficient and symptoms.
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation for a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury involves utilization of lenses, prisms, tints and therapy techniques to improve the visual system.
- sensitivity to light
- double vision
- dizziness or balance disorders
- strain eye teaming
- loss of visual field
- visual hallucinations
- grocery store syndrome or the inability to be in a busy environment
Fresnel prism (prisms that stick on your glasses) might be used to alleviate double vision. As skills and eye teaming improves the amount can be switched to a lesser amount easily.
Yoked prism can be used to shift the image to help re-align the visual with the balancing system improving mobility through space.
Sensitivity to light or photophobia can be resolved with filters that control the amount of light entering the visual system reducing discomfort.
Neuro-optometric rehabilitation utilizes the brain’s neuroplasticity or the ability to rewire itself and adapt to do what achieve what needs to be done. With the correct training, stimuli and exercises, the brain’s ability of neuroplasticity allows the brain to heal itself. Visual difficulties can be improved ranging from a few weeks to few months depending on the severity of the condition. In extreme cases treatment can be years.
An interdisciplinary approach should be utilized when undergoing rehabilitation for a concussion working closely with occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, neuro-pyschology, neuro-otology and your overseeing neurologist and or physician.
Prior to evaluation, a questionnaire needs to be completed and submitted along with records of a recent comprehensive eye examination and any other medical records for the doctor to review before your evaluation.
