A brain injury is typically referred to as an Acquired Brain Injury(ABI) but may also be called a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) when caused by external force to the head. Examples of a TBI, are a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or contact sports. An ABI can be the result of a medical condition such as stroke, tumour, aneurism, meningitis and cerebral palsy, or other neurological insults.

Visual problems are often overlooked during initial treatment of a brain injury and in some cases; symptoms may not be present until sometime following the injury.

Optometrists with a specific interest in neuro-optometric rehabilitation are being increasingly sought out as a part of multi-disciplinary medical teams assisting patients to rehabilitate from acquired brain injury.
Visual dysfunction following Acquired Brain Injury is common, with a wide variety of symptoms related to vision reported including

  • Headaches
  • Vertigo
  • Diplopia (Double vision)
  • Visual fatigue
  • Focusing difficulty
  • Movement of print on the page when reading
  • Difficulty in eye movement
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Reduced field of vision
  • Reduced depth perception
  • Reduced colour vision perception
  • Spatial disorientation
  • Difficulty with posture and balance
  • Delayed reaction time
  • Impaired memory

When a person has an ABI, often one type of rehabilitation is not enough to address all of his/her needs. An interdisciplinary, integrated team approach can play a vital role in the rehabilitation of patients with concussions, stroke or other neurological deficits. In addition to optometrists, rehabilitation team members may include nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical medicine and rehab physicians, neurologists, neuropsychologists, audiologists, ophthalmologists, and others.

Those who experience brain injuries can likely incur issues relating to vision. Often they will need to see and Optometrist or Ophthalmologist to help guide them back to better vision, or work with impaired vision. If you’re in the area, our experienced optometrist North Sydney team can assist with comprehensive assessments and tailored visual rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one, are experiencing symptoms related to an ABI, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 02 9982 1039.