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Best of Health,
Dr. Cheryl

TBI Research and My Trip to See Dr. Debby Feinberg

I just returned from and wonderful trip to Michigan and Dr. Debby's office. I spent a lot of time observing cases with her. I am always learning new things from every case I see, so that was very exciting for me. One case was a Colonel that works in the Pentagon. He suffered a concussion and was having difficulty driving and functioning until he was treated by Dr. Debby. It was great to learn his story and see his progress. He just drove from Virginia to Michigan for his visit and is now back in activity duty. We all thanked him for his service.

The evening was spent with many colleagues in the fields of neurology, otolaryngology, and Pain Management docs. Lots of very interesting conversation about visual and vestibular complications post concussion. I was very excited to meet Dr. Randy Benson who treats many ex professional football players. Since he sees patients from all over the US, he said he will be sending some my way.
Then we were treated to a lecture by Dr. Dallas Hack. Dr. Hack is behind the financing for almost all the research going on in TBI today. From changing the way we diagnose  and classify TBI to exciting new treatments.

Within the next 3 months he is hoping to get FDA approval for a blood test to detect TBI. A new device from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, called a pONS device is also in clinical trials. It hooks up to the tongue, ( the tongue has the most nerve endings in the body) and helps rewire the brain pathways. We are learning that the brain is very plastic and can be healed with the proper treatments.  Out of Dr. Feinberg's office, a new article is being published in the journal of Brain Injury, describing how Binocular Vision Dysfunction is precipitated by concussion and using the Feinberg method of prism correction helps relieve the symptoms of PCS.  Next up for them is going to be a double blind study, which is the gold standard for scientific research. Also, a multi center retrospective study on the effectiveness of prismatic lens treatment for post concussive syndrome. My practice, The Neuro Visual Center of New York is looking forward to being a part of that study.
If you would like anymore information about our work or questions about visual symptoms post concussion feel free to contact my office at 516-224-4888.

Headache Relief With a Pair of Special Glasses

I saw another case of Post Concussive Syndrome yesterday. This young lady had been suffering for about 6 months after a severe blow to the head. Constant headaches, dizziness, balance problems, and "sore eyes". She had been doing Vestibular Therapy for approximately 4 months and has plateaued in her progress.

She was referred to me by her Vestibular Therapist and Neurologist, since they knew there was a big visual component not being addressed. They were right. I found a significant vertical misalignment of the eyes. This is quite common in patients with PCS symptoms remaining 3 months after injury. When this was corrected, the patient felt her headache severity decrease by 50% with 20 minutes. When prism is applied correctly using very accurate testing, the results are truly remarkable.

If you or anyone you know suffers from visual and vestibular problem after a TBI, please log on to www.nvcofny.com.  Our quantified questionnaire helps us determine if prismatic treatment is an option.

Back to Enjoying Life With a Prism Contact Lens

I was so happy to hear today that a patient of mine was able to enjoy going to a party again! I fit her with a prism contact lens for social wear. She was able to wear her lens and get relief from her Post Concussive  Symptoms. The loud noise, flashing lights, and crowds were tolerable due to the prism contact lens. Wonderful!

I understand how important it is for young people to not only feel good but to look good at the same time. Even though my frat party days are far behind me, I can remember them very well.

My goal is to help my patients get back to enjoying life again! If you or someone you know is struggling with headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms from Post Concussive Syndrome please contact us at 516-224-4888 or take our questionnaire at www.nvcofny.com.

There is help without expensive or long term therapy.

Dr. Cheryl
Neuro Visual Center of NY

Traumatic Brain Injury : Prospects for Future Clinical Trials

I am so excited to be travelling to Michigan to meet Dr. Dallas Hack and hear him speak about TBI and Future Clinical Trials.

Currently, Dr. Hack is on the Executive Committee for NCAA-DOD Grand Alliance: A Concussion Research and Education Initiative.  Dr. Hack is the former Director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program. He was involved with the Brain Health/Fitness Research Program as Coordinator for Army Medical Research.

I look forward to a wonderful learning experience and an opportunity to get involved in Dr. Hack's important research.

Thankful

This week I am especially thankful for not only my family and wonderful friends but also the skills that I have been taught by Dr. Debby Feinberg. I am so grateful that I can help in the healing of so many people who are suffering and have felt that there was no hope.

Again, as way of giving back, I would like to offer my services to any veteran who acquired a Traumatic Brain Injury in the line of duty,  pro bono.  If you know of any veteran who is suffering headache, dizziness, light sensitivity due to Post Concussion Syndrome or any TBI please have them contact my office. The Neuro Visual Center of New York 516-224-4888

Vertical Heterophoria, Why Does It Occur?

We believe up to 10% of the general population suffers from Vertical Heterophoria (VH). VH can be congenital, meaning you are just born this way. It can also develop after a traumatic brain injury, even a mild concussion. Symptoms include, headache, dizziness, light sensitivity, difficulty reading, and a feeling of being unbalanced.

We know that many people have one eye that is physically higher than the other, yet not all these people suffer from the symptoms of VH. Many patients do not have any symptoms until they hit a certain age. Typically this occurs in the 40s when all our muscle systems have a difficult time functioning as the once did. Sometimes, a stress to the body such as an inner ear infection, pregnancy, Lyme disease, or the flu can be the trigger for VH symptoms to begin.

Up to 50% of patients who still experience Post Concussive symptoms 3 months after their brain injury have developed VH. The signals from the visual system, vestibular system, and brain are not working properly. Many people are misdiagnosed with convergence insufficiency only and VH is missed. The vertical component can be very small and specific tests need to be performed to identify these small vertical muscle problems. When we correct the vertical misalignment, the eyes have a much easier time converging. Eye exercises do not work for the vertical muscles. They can not be trained. This is why so many patients still have significant symptoms after months of vision therapy.

We use very precise prismatic correction in a pair of glasses to correct these misalignments. Patients experience a 70 to 80% reduction in symptoms by the end of treatment. No lenghty or costly vision therapy. Just a very special pair of glasses. If you would like to find out if Vertical Heterophoria is causing your symptoms, please log on to our website www.nvcofny.com. Take our quantified questionnaire and we will contact you with your results.