Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a concussion considered a brain injury?
Yes. A concussion is not just a bump on the head — it’s a traumatic brain injury that disrupts normal brain function.
Do I have to hit my head or does something have to hit my head to get a concussion?
No. Concussions can occur even if you don’t hit your head. If the head or body is jolted enough to move your brain rapidly inside your skull, you can get a concussion.
How do concussions affect vision?
Vision takes place in the brain. Much of the brain is responsible for how we take in visual information, how we process visual information and how we use visual information. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can disrupt how the brain processes visual information and how the visual information is integrated with other sensory information and other systems. Neurological insults lessen efficiency of systems, including vision. If efficiency does not meet the demand, symptoms arise.
Much of the brain is involved in how we understand and interact with our visual environment. Humans are highly visual creatures.
Do concussion patients with persistent symptoms recover on their own?
Data shows 50% concussion patients will have persistent symptoms; they do not recover on their own. There may be adaptation, but not recovery. Most patients can recover from a concussion with proper care — but without treatment, they may only adapt to lingering symptoms rather than fully heal. Intervention with comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation is key to true recovery.
What happens if a concussion is left untreated?
Given the importance of vision, when there is a disruption due to a neurological event, it can have a profound affect on daily life. This is why vision therapy and rehabilitation is a significant component of comprehensive care following a concussion. If left untreated, patients are more at risk for repeated concussions, persisting or worsening symptoms, menal health problems, stress on personal and profession relationships, chronic health condition related to auto-immunde disease, difestive conditions, hormone regularion, insomnia, neurologicl conditions dementa and Alzehimer’s disease.
What if my symptoms don’t start right away?
The brain is coming down from the initial trauma response, so it may take 48-72 hours to show symptoms and signs of a concussion. Symptoms can include: sensitivity to light and sound, problems with reading and comprehension, double vision, headaches, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and problems with balance and coordination. Untreated concussions can be responsible for symptoms and system decline even years or decades later.
I already have an eye doctor; how are you different?
Most eye doctors are really good EYE doctors. They mostly address the structural health of the eyes.
(STRUCTURE: Do you have all of the pieces and parts and are the signals being sent? Are your eyes healthy and are you seeing good detail?
FUNCTION: How does the brain take in visual information, how does it process it, how does it use it?)
Your eye doctor can still be your eye doctor; I’m taking care of your brain. I’m different because I provide for both structure AND function.
What interventions are available if there are persistent (vision) symptoms after concussion?
Glasses prescriptions that include very specific lens prameters, and often, prism. Sytnonc and other light therapy recommendations. Vision therapy and rehabilitation including visual-vestibular-somatosensory integration therapy. In addition to considerations for the above treatment modalities, other areas of neurorehabilitation are recommended.
What does the scheduling look like?
We will coordinate scheduling two separate days for evaluation. We understand it might be inconvenient to come back for testing on two separate days. However, your system is likely to fatigue easily. Patients maintain more energy and stamina without an extended recovery if the appointments are separate.
Should I have a driver for the evaluation appointments?
Your system is likely to fatigue easily. You many feel fatigued or otherwise symptomatic following the evaluations, so it is helpful to have a driver.