Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment

Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS)

PTVS involves a constellation of signs and symptoms that occur after certain types of concussions or after multiple concussions. Symptoms include light sensitivity, inability to concentrate and multi-task, memory issues, difficulty coordinating eyes, problems focusing, double vision, blurred vision, headaches, difficulty coping in busy or noisy environments, speech problems and trouble with balance and coordination.

The Focal and Ambient Visual Systems

The visual system is composed of two parts:

The Focal System:

The focal system is the part of the visual system that allows one to identify objects in our environment and provides us with sharp, central vision.

The Ambient System:

The ambient system involves our peripheral awareness and allows us to orient ourselves in space. The ambient system is particularly susceptible to damage during a concussion or whiplash injury.

Damage to the Ambient System

The ambient system performs the following functions:

  • The ambient system is an anticipator and is always ready for ‘what’s next’. Damage causes a reduction in reflexes.
  • The ambient system is also responsible for suppression. It is constantly preventing peripheral visual stimuli from interfering with vision. A damaged ambient system results in an inability to cope in busy environments which can become overwhelming.
  • The ambient system also helps the body know where it is in space via a finely-tuned system involving the senses of vision and touch. If the ambient system is providing faulty information to this system, the body may choose a new spot for its center of gravity, leading to Visual Midline Shift Syndrome. (VMSS) VMSS results in the world appearing ‘tilted’ to a patient so that they develop abnormal postures and gait as an adaptation response.
  • The ambient system is an ‘unconscious’ system. It functions without awareness or thought. If the ambient system becomes damaged, the ‘thinking’ part of the brain may attempt to take over its function. This results in less ‘brain power’ available for activities that require thought, affecting multi-tasking, memory, concentration and even speech.

Treatment for Post Trauma Vision Syndrome

Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation

Bedford Eye Care is pleased to be able to offer assessment and treatment services by our neuro optometrists for patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion.

Initial Assessment

Neuro optometric rehabilitation involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s oculo-visual system including a careful case history, determination of prescription and binocular vision assessment in order to determine if the patient suffers from Post TraumaVision Syndrome. The patient also undergoes extensive gait and posture analysis to determine if a Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS) exists.

Therapeutic Eyeglasses

In order to treat PTVS, we often utilize prism glasses to help rehabilitate the damaged ambient system.

Yoked prism glasses are prescribed to offset the tilted word created by a VMSS. They assist in balance and make the world appear more stable. Patients often also need reading glasses and specialized tints.

Neuro Visual Postural Therapy (NVPT)

After the patient receives their specialized glasses, a referral is arranged to either a specially-trained occupational therapist or physiotherapist for a program of Neuro Visual Postural Therapy (NVPT). NVPT involves movement exercises, combined with ocular exercises that repair the damaged connection between the ambient visual system and the sense of touch. Patient’s symptoms reduce, and many can return to a more normal life.

Syntonics

After a concussion, patients can experience elevated levels of anxiety and stress. This can be due to an over production of hormones and neurotransmitters associated with the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for our ‘fight and flight’ reaction.

Patients suffering from this issue will be treated with Syntonics, a program utilizing selected light frequencies absorbed through the eyes to calm the sympathetic nervous system by way of the retinal-hypothalamus brain connection. 

Vision Therapy (VT) Program

Patients who are still symptomatic after the prescription of Syntonics, therapeutic glasses and NVPT, may be candidates for a Vision Therapy program if there are residual binocular vision problems still present.

Vision Therapy is a series of activities that helps the patient to learn to align their eyes properly, move them as a team in a coordinated fashion, focus accurately at visual targets and maintain fusion for prolonged periods. In addition, VT utilizes methods that ensure integration of various sensory systems, including movement and balance as well as stabilization of the vestibular system with the ocular system. (helping to reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity)

Dr. William Padula lecture on Post Trauma Vision Syndrome

Dr. William Padula presented a lecture on Post Trauma Vision Syndrome, including it’s causes and treatment in Halifax in April of 2016. This lecture is meant for medical professionals; however, the video is free to watch for the general public.

Contact us about concussion and traumatic brain injury assessment and treatment options

Please call our office at 902-835-2020 for an appointment.

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