Neuro-Sports supports apps & pitch-side testing
with customised  treatment to accelerate return to play

Vision And Dizziness are two key features that predict slow recovery.

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They also represent a great opportunity to improve the management of Concussion syndrome.

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KEY METRICS 

VOMS and PUPIL 'REFLEX' ASSESSMENT 

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KEY TREATMENTS 

VOMS : Turning the test into a therapy

PUPILS : Mitigating symptoms but also using light to help treat concussion.

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Light and vision-related problems are commonly reported as symptoms of post concussion syndrome—especially sensitivity to light, which can persist for months or even years after a concussion.

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Post-Concussion Syndrome Light Sensitivity

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One of the most common symptoms of concussion and post-concussion syndrome is photophobia, or painful light sensitivity. Some experts have suggested that as many as 43% of individuals experience ongoing light sensitivity after hitting their head, although that number could be even higher depending on other risk factors. These might include individuals who engage in high contact athletics, professions or activities and/or those who have sustained multiple head injuries. Perhaps most notably, 60-75% of active-duty soldiers who experienced blast-related concussions (also known as mild traumatic brain injury) have reported sensitivity to light—making veterans one of the most at-risk populations for post concussive photophobia. Moreover, the majority rated their light-related pain as severe.

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Some common symptoms of TBI and concussion light sensitivity include:

• Eyestrain

• Vision fatigue

• Squinting

• Headaches

• Eye pain

• Inability to tolerate bright lights (especially fluorescent)

The International Brain Injury Association reports that those with post-concussion light sensitivity may also experience indirect symptoms such as vertigo, fatigue, and difficulty multitasking. 

 

Studies show that photophobia is most severe 7-19 days after an injury, but light sensitivity could last beyond 6 months after a concussion and others may even experience it indefinitely.

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Types of Light that Can Worsen Symptoms

 

Some of the most common light sources can be a trigger for a person with photophobia after a head injury. Bright sunshine, harsh reflective glare, fluorescent lighting and computer, television or mobile device screens all have the capability to worsen post concussion symptoms. 

Fluorescent lights can be especially problematic. Not only can they increase headaches, migraine attacks, and other pain, but they also have been associated with vestibular symptoms such as dizziness, sensitivity to motion or movement, and nausea. One possible reason is likely the invisible flicker given off by fluorescent bulbs which is indiscernible to the eye but picked up the brain. Researchers have also offered similar hypotheses related to LCD screens, which were recently linked to: slower recovery times in returning to work or school; less ability to focus; and greater levels of light sensitivity for patients with symptoms beyond three months. 

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Fluorescent lights and other everyday lighting (including sunlight) also expose us to a significant amount of blue light—which researchers have shown to be the most painful for a person with photophobia and a likely cause of worsening concussion-related symptoms. Given the increasing influence and use of smartphones, computers, gaming consoles and fluorescents in offices and daily life, blue light can be difficult to escape. 

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No matter the source or actual level of brightness, often feels “brighter” and more painful for a person with concussion photophobia. The over stimulation of the neural processes make the brain hypersensitive to stimulation.

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Treatment of Concussion-Related Light Sensitivity

 

There are currently no medications that directly combat photophobia resulting from a head injury. However, that does not mean there are no options for post concussive patients. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends treating painful sensitivity to light after a concussion through the use of special photophobia glasses tinted such as IONICSpec. These glasses are effective because they target the harmful blue-green light that is prevalent in fluorescent lighting and other common sources. They also help lessen the negative impact of brightness, glare and the invisible flicker.

 

Learn more about IONICSpecs ➜

 

Additional research has supported the benefits of colored lenses for concussion-related light issues. In fact, researchers found that 85% of photophobic patients found some level relief with tinted lenses. Beyond glasses, there may be some additional behavioral suggestions that can help, which includes:

• Polarized sunglasses for outdoor use

• Wearing a hat inside or outside

• Reducing mobile or computer screen use, especially before going to sleep

• Installing blue light reducing apps for phone or computer

• Anti-glare monitor covers

• Rest and relaxation (for both the eyes and the brain)

• Generalized avoidance for persistent light-specific triggers