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Toy Brain
Neuro-Visual Training for Brain Injury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Concussions and Vision

 

Experiencing a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion, can be overwhelming.  With symptoms that may affect emotions, cognition and physical functions, brain injury can suddenly make daily life very challenging.

 

An mTBI is essentially a bruise to the brain that occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull.  The injury can be caused by a direct (eg. blow to the head) or indirect jolt (e.g.. whiplash) impact.

 

When the brain is injured, vision is very often affected.  This is due to the intricate relationship between the brain and the eyes within our visual system.  Approximately two-thirds of the brain’s neural connections are involved in the visual system- so when the brain is injured, those pathways can be interrupted causing visual symptoms such as:

 

  • Blurry vision

  • Double vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Tunnel vision

 

MTBI’s and concussions can also have cognitive and physical effects, including memory loss, headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, issues with balance and decreased visual processing.

 

 

Coping with Concussions

 

Individually, these symptoms are troublesome, but combined they can have a significant impact on the quality of everyday life.Fortunately, MTBI’s are often fully resolved. The general course of treatment for an mTBI is extended rest.  This means that any activity involving neural processing, physical activity and exposure to light must be significantly reduced.

 

When symptoms persist, it is important to understand that there may be further options available to improve the condition. A Mind's Eye™ neuro-visual optometrist can fully assess the visual system, uncover potential areas for improvement, and then determine whether a program such as Neuro-Visual Training could be of benefit in improving the condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neuro-Visual Training (NVT) for

Concussion Rehabilitation

 

Practised for over 80 years, Neuro-Visual Training works

to retrain the connections in the visual system. Over

time, specific training exercises can help to restore the

neuro-visual pathways interrupted by injury.  The

result may be a reduction or possible elimination of the

visual, cognitive and physical symptoms caused by

injury, and therefore, an improved everyday life.

 

 

 

How is NVT administered for patients with TBI or concussion?

 

Following a full in-office assessment by a Mind's Eye™ neuro-visual optometrist, our team will customize a training program that will address the specific needs of each individual patient.  The exercises are fun and challenging, administered through weekly sessions with the Mind's Eye™ neuro-visual trainer and daily home exercises.  Often, the use of lenses, prisms, and other equipment is required to facilitate the process.  The Mind's Eye™ neuro-visual optometrist will perform tests regularly to ensure improvement, monitor progress and direct the program.

 

 

At Mind's Eye™, we understand that life can be challenging when coping with a brain injury.  That’s why we encourage, motivate, reward and support individuals and their families throughout the entire program to ensure optimal results.

 

Reported child head injuries from football, soccer and hockey have increased 40% in the past decade 

Mild traumatic brain injuries can have physical, cognitive and emotional effects

Video Courtesy of McCrodan Vision Development
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