Brain Injury Manifestations: Signs, Examinations, and Remedies
Head Injuries and Vision: Understanding Concussion-Related Eye Symptoms
Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury, can cause a variety of symptoms, including those related to vision. If you suspect someone has a concussion, it's crucial to seek medical help immediately.
Visible Eye Symptoms
Some visible eye symptoms include dilated pupils, misaligned eyes, difficulty tracking objects, atypical eye movements, and droopy eyelids. A common vision symptom is light sensitivity, which can make everyday activities challenging.
Diagnosing a Concussion
Diagnosing a concussion typically involves taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and using assessment tools such as medical questionnaires and criteria. However, it's important to note that there is no conclusive at-home test to diagnose a concussion.
Vision-Related Symptoms
Vision-related activities occupy more brain territory than any other body function. Therefore, it's not surprising that vision symptoms are common after a concussion. These symptoms can present as blurred or double vision, eye strain, difficulty focusing, and headaches related to visual effort. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light and problems with eye tracking and balance, contributing to dizziness or a feeling that the room is spinning.
Treatment and Management
Early identification and referral to concussion specialists or vision therapists are critical because persistent post-concussion vision disorders can last beyond the standard recovery period (beyond 28 days), impacting school and daily activities significantly. Treatment is individualized, often multidisciplinary, addressing the specific neurological, vestibular, and musculoskeletal contributors to the vision symptoms.
Common treatment options include a comprehensive vision examination, vision and vestibular therapy, physical therapy approaches, the use of eye tracking metrics and visio-vestibular exams, symptom management, and education.
Persistent Symptoms
If visual symptoms persist, wearing sunglasses may help reduce light sensitivity, and limiting screen use and prolonged periods of close work is recommended. If symptoms become severe or new symptoms appear, seek emergency help.
Recovery Time
Adults often recover from a concussion after 10-14 days, while children generally need 4 weeks. If symptoms persist beyond this time, people should seek medical help.
Preventing Worsening Symptoms
Treatments for a concussion are primarily supportive and involve limiting activities that worsen symptoms, resting for an initial 24-48 hours, and gradually returning to activity while monitoring symptoms. It's important to avoid overstimulating environments, avoid using digital screens for the first 48 hours, and gradually increase physical activity as long as it does not cause symptoms.
Eye Vulnerability
The eyes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussions due to their proximity to the brain. Double vision, or diplopia, is a common vision issue after a concussion and can be caused by trauma to the delicate orbital bones, the extraocular muscles that direct eye gaze, injury to the optic nerve, or fourth nerve palsy.
In conclusion, understanding and addressing vision-related concussion symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Early detection through specialized vision assessments and tailored therapies, including vision and vestibular rehabilitation combined with physical therapy approaches for associated symptoms, can significantly improve outcomes.
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- For those who have had a concussion, it's important to be aware of the predictive signs of depression and seek help if needed.
- Regular sleep, workplace-wellness programs, maintaining a balance in health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health care, and proper skin-care can help in overall recovery from a concussion.
- Therapies-and-treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling can also be beneficial for managing depression and other emotional changes following a concussion.
- Neurological disorders like HIV can increase the risk of other health complications, including vision problems after a concussion.
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- Accident and falls can often lead to vision-related concussion symptoms, so it's crucial to practice safety measures at all times.
- A thorough medical examination, including assessments of mental health and other potential medical conditions, is necessary prior to starting any treatment or therapies for a concussion.
- Struggling with vision-related symptoms after a concussion may lead to feelings of isolation or anxiety, but seeking support from loved ones and healthcare professionals can help manage these emotions.
- Regular check-ups and follow-ups with medical professionals are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans if necessary.
- Understanding the science behind concussions and related vision symptoms can help foster a more empathetic environment for those affected, encouraging prompt and effective treatment.
