Dizziness, vertigo, and feeling off balance are some of the most common complaints of concussion patients.1

These symptoms are often caused by several issues such as problems with the balance centres of your brain, problems with your eyes, or issues with the muscle and joint sensors of your neck.

Fortunately, vision therapy and vestibular rehabilitation by a licensed healthcare practitioner with training in concussion management can help to normalize and improve these symptoms.

SEE what vision therapy can do

Half of the brain is dedicated to vision. And, most of our senses and processing is directly impacted by information coming from the eyes.

Most concussion patients experience at least some sort of visual dysfunction. This may include problems with tracking, scanning, teaming, focusing or eye movements. Unfortunately, these visual impacts can also cause other problems like issues concentrating or remembering.

But, how do you know if vision is your problem?

You may require visual rehabilitation if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Difficulty navigating through space
  • Perception issues
  • Motion or light sensitivity
  • Tracking problems
  • Discomfort in the eyes
  • Inability to remember what was seen or read

Tailored treatment and rehabilitation approaches from a licensed healthcare practitioner with training in concussion management or a specialized optometrist can help to improve vision problems and reduce concussion symptoms.

Vestibular rehabilitation and concussion

Our vestibular system contributes to our sense of balance, coordination and tells us where we are in space. These systems keep us steady and prevent us from falling.

Canals located behind the ears are the main vestibular organ.2 They detect acceleration or deceleration of our head in relation to our movement and gravity, and the vestibular system works to reposition our eyes, neck and limbs to keep the body upright and stable. Other parts of our balance system include our eyes and sensors located in our muscles and joints.

A concussion can disrupt this system and may cause symptoms such as vertigo and dizziness.2

Fortunately, more conservative approaches by an experienced healthcare provider with specific training in concussion can help to improve problems with the vestibular system. For example, therapeutic maneuvers that hold the head and body in various certain positions to move the debris out of the affected canals may eliminate symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo.3

For more information about vision therapy or vestibular rehabilitation for concussion, visit our website to find a clinic near you.