The term “Acquired Brain Injury” or ABI is used to refer to any type of damage to the brain that occurs after birth. In addition to working with children and others suffering from vision development problems, vision therapy is also helpful to those individuals who have experienced an acquired brain injury. ABI’s can be classified as:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
This type of brain injury is the result of mechanical force and can include direct impact such as (concussion), car collision, whiplash, assaults, and falls or accidents.
Non-Traumatic Brian Injury
This injury is the result of an internal or external source, but without trauma. Types of Non-Traumatic Brain Injury could include (stroke), infection, aneurysm, ischemia, brain tumor. (Systemic disorders) such as Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Lupus. These conditions often effect connective tissue, muscle function, or increase inflammation in the body which can lead to a disruption of the visual system.
ABI can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. An estimated 90% of individuals develop visual complications following brain injuries. These symptoms may include:
- Eyestrain and reading difficulties
- Avoidance of near tasks
- Double vision
- Dizziness
- Light sensitivity
- Visual field loss
- Vision derived nausea
- Increased sensitivity to motion
- Visual inattention and distractibility
- Short term memory loss
- Difficulty judging distances
- Difficulty with scanning and loss of place with reading
- Difficulty with personal grooming
- Poor eye contact
How can vision therapy help?
Neuroplasticity, or changes in the pathways of the brain, allows for the visual system to adapt after injury. This adaptation allows for one to regain an efficient visual system and improves symptoms experienced after brain injuries. Reading, shopping, large crowds, and basic daily activities can now become enjoyable again.
