Vision Therapy and Concussions
Each year hundreds of thousands of K-12 students sustain a concussion as a result of a fall, motor-vehicle crash, collision on the playground or sports field, or other activity. Most (about 90%) will have a good recovery. For those with longer-term concussion-symptoms (Post-Concussion Symptom Syndrome – PCSS), the care emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach by healthcare provider(s) managing the medical aspects of the student’s recovery.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head (or by a hit to the body) that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. These changes can lead to symptoms affecting the student’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and sleep functions.
Post-concussion signs and symptoms include:
• Increased problems paying attention or concentrating
• Increased problems remembering or learning new information
• Longer time needed to complete tasks or assignments
• Difficulty organizing tasks or shifting between tasks
• Inappropriate or impulsive behavior during class
• Greater irritability
• Less ability to cope with stress
• More emotional than usual
• Fatigue
• Difficulties handling a stimulating school environment (lights, noise, etc.)
• Physical symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness)
Vision Therapy can be effective in resolving a range of post-concussion symptoms stemming from vision problems. Specially trained optometrists can diagnose issues with eye-teaming, focusing, and visual tracking and then prescribe individualized vision therapy. This therapy can retrain the visual system to help eliminate the visual symptoms most commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome.
Adult recovery from concussion with Vision Therapy Link:
Please visit my website www.oakvillecentreforvision.com or call the office 905-338-2020 or email us at PatientCare@OakvilleCentreForVision.com for more information.