Often what is considered a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) can result in a major disruption of visual function. Headache, nausea, and dizziness and the cascade of symptoms that emerge, known as Post Concussion Disorder, can become the new normal. When this happens the related visual consequences known as Post Trauma Vision Syndrome lead to a life full of visual confusion until you find the path of vision rehabilitation.

The visual process is intimately woven throughout the entire brain. There are more areas of the brain dedicated to process vision than all of the other senses combined. Even a “mild concussive event” can yield serious compromise to the neural software of the brain. So with any injury to the brain, minor or major, it’s difficult for vision to not be involved. This can often lead to vision problems that impact our ability to work, read, learn, navigate through space, and live the life we deserve.

Commonly after a brain injury, the visual, auditory and vestibular systems send the brain confusing information that it has difficulty filtering and processing appropriately. The vestibular system is a complex network that the brain uses to filter information regarding body positioning and head movement to stabilize vision and balance. Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms associated with this disconnect between the vestibular and ocular motor systems. Research shows that dizziness is reported for about half of concussed athletes for example, and is associated with a much greater risk of an elongated recovery. Vestibular impairments are common after a concussion and if left untreated, can delay recovery from the injury.