Thursday, November 12, 2015

Post Concussive Syndrome and Binocular Vision Dysfunction.

I wanted to take some time to explain how we think Post Concussive Syndrome can lead to Binocular Vision Dysfunction. We know that more than 50% of our brain pathways are related to vision. Vision is very complicated  and is much more than how clearly each eyes sees. Our visual system, along with the vestibular system controls our feeling of stability and movement in space. To do this, our two eyes need to be working together properly.

I like to use the analogy of wires going from one telephone pole to the next. The "wires", actually neurons, carry the signals in the brain. When someone suffers a TBI these "wires" get jumbled up. The brain is very plastic and healing does take place. The rate of healing and how the brain heals can be unique to each person.

We believe that when someone suffers a TBI, these signals can become faulty. The signal between the eyes and the vestibular system is faulty. Due to the incorrect signal the eyes rotate to a misaligned position. However, if they remained in the misaligned position, the person would see double. This is dysfunctional. Our brain does not like to see double. To overcome this double vision, the opposing eye muscles start working, causing stress and strain on the system. This leads to the symptoms of headache and dizziness.

Treatment with prismatic lenses allow the eyes to maintain the comfortable position and relieve the strain on the compensating muscles. We can get a 70 to 80% reduction in symptoms with out costly therapy.  If you would like to see if Binocular Vision Dysfunction is part of your Post Concussive Syndrome, please go to my website www.nvcofny.com to take our questionnaire or email me at drcheryl@nvcofny.com. I would also be happy to speak in person if you have any questions. Please calll 516-224-4888
Dr.  Cheryl.

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