A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a forceful impact against the inside of the skull. Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls can all cause a concussion.
Common symptoms of a concussion include confusion, dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. However, many people don’t realize that concussions can also cause vision problems.
At Coleman Vision in Joplin, we treat various vision problems caused by neurological conditions, including concussions.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a form of brain injury that occurs when the brain shakes against the skull, resulting in torn nerve fibers and blood vessels.
There are two main ways to classify concussions:
- Simple concussions, also called mild concussions, are the most common type of concussion. While their symptoms often go away on their own within a few days, headaches and eye problems can persist indefinitely.
- Complex concussions (moderate/severe concussions) are less common but cause more serious symptoms that may be long-term. Symptoms may include severe headaches, prolonged memory loss, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Vision problems are also very common.
What Vision Problems Do Concussions Cause?
Concussions can cause problems like double vision (diplopia), which occurs when the eyes become misaligned. This can be caused by damage to the muscles or nerves that control the eyes. Having a double vision can be debilitating.
Another vision problem caused by concussions is blurry vision. This can happen when the brain swells or bleeds, which impacts how it processes visual information. This can cause the images seen by the eyes to appear distorted or unclear.
Concussions can also result in vision problems like changes in color perception, difficulty focusing, and light sensitivity. These symptoms can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as reading, writing, and driving.
Although vision problems are a common symptom of concussions, they’re rarely prioritized when a patient arrives at an emergency room with other injuries. Sometimes, visual deficits become noticeable days after the injury.
If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, it’s advisable to see a neuro-optometrist, who has the experience and training to diagnose and treat vision problems caused by neurological conditions, including concussions.
Book A Neuro-Optometrist in Joplin
Concussions can cause a variety of visual complications, which is why it’s key for individuals who have suffered a concussion to be examined by a neuro-optometrist.
At Coleman Vision in Joplin we provide neuro-optometric eye exams that evaluate the function of the eyes and the brain and the communication between them.
We also offer neuro-optometric rehabilitation for patients who have experienced a concussion, stroke, or other neurological condition.
Our practice serves patients from Joplin, Rogers, Miami, OK, and Springfield , Missouri and surrounding communities.
