What Is a Concussion?

A concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs when a sudden impact causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Despite being labeled “mild,” these injuries can have serious and lasting consequences, particularly for children. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and vision problems can persist, affecting a child’s ability to thrive in school, sports, and social settings.

For children in Central and Southern Kentucky, including the greater Lexington area, recognizing the impact of concussions is crucial. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles and Somerset, we specialize in identifying and addressing these challenges, especially when they involve vision. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a leading pediatric specialist, we provide tailored care to help children recover fully.

Vision Problems: A Hidden Consequence of Concussions

Did you know that a significant percentage of children with concussions experience vision-related issues? Research shows:

• Visual Complaints Are Common: Between 54% and 80% of patients with traumatic brain injuries report vision problems.
• Functional Vision Impairments: 69% of adolescents with concussions have difficulties with functional vision, such as focusing, coordinating their eyes, and dealing with light sensitivity.
• Daily Life Impact: These symptoms can make reading, concentrating, and even playing outside challenging for children, delaying their recovery.

At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, we emphasize early detection and treatment for these often-overlooked vision issues. Our advanced evaluations go beyond standard eye exams, ensuring your child receives the comprehensive care they need to regain their visual health.

Concussions Among Children: A Growing Concern

Pediatric concussions are not limited to sports. Everyday activities like playing on a playground or minor vehicle accidents can lead to these injuries. For families in areas like Frankfort, Danville, and Berea, understanding the risks is the first step toward protecting their children.

Key facts about pediatric concussions:

• Symptoms may not appear immediately, but they can persist, requiring timely attention.
• Chronic or delayed symptoms, such as vision problems, can impact school performance and overall well-being.
• The developing brain is particularly vulnerable, meaning even a mild concussion can have long-term effects.

As one of the few specialty pediatric vision practices serving Central and Southern Kentucky, including areas around Nicholasville and Richmond, we understand the unique needs of children recovering from head injuries. Dr. Rick Graebe and our team are here to help your child navigate the recovery process with a personalized approach.

How Neuro-Visual Performance Institute Can Help

At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge techniques to address vision issues resulting from concussions. With convenient locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, we attract families from across Kentucky. Our neuro-optometric rehabilitation programs are designed to restore functional vision and support your child’s overall recovery.

If your child has experienced a concussion, don’t wait to seek specialized care. Vision therapy can significantly improve outcomes, helping your child return to their everyday activities and perform at their best in school and sports.

Symptoms of a Pediatric Concussion

As a parent, watching your child struggle after a head injury can be one of the most distressing experiences. Concerns about their health, academic performance, and overall well-being can weigh heavily on your mind. Understanding the symptoms they may experience is crucial to getting them the help they need. Pediatric concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), are more than mere bumps on their heads; they can impact many aspects of your child’s life. Our role is to provide support and tailored care to mitigate these effects and help your child recover effectively.

Immediate and Delayed Symptoms

It’s essential to recognize both immediate and delayed symptoms of concussion, as these can manifest differently over time. Immediately after an injury, your child might exhibit:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion or disorientation
• Nausea or vomiting

Delayed symptoms can also arise days or even weeks after the injury. These may include:

• Problem concentrating and retaining information
• Visual disturbances like blurred or double vision
• Eye fatigue and discomfort when reading
• Difficulty tolerating crowded or busy places
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Slower reading speed

With an alarming statistic showing that up to 80% of pediatric concussion patients may report visual complaints, these symptoms can significantly hinder their daily activities, including schoolwork and social interactions.

What Vision-Related Symptoms are Most Common

Key Points on Photophobia and Light Sensitivity:

• Impact on Daily Life: Children with concussions may experience light sensitivity, making everyday activities like playing outside or using screens uncomfortable.
• Prevalence: Persistent light sensitivity is a common post-concussion symptom, lasting weeks or more in many cases.
• Symptoms to Watch For: Discomfort in well-lit environments, difficulty with screen use, and avoidance of bright areas.
• Solutions:
  • Gradual reduction of exposure to harsh lighting.
  • Use of tinted lenses (when recommended by a specialist).
  • Specialized care from functional or developmental optometrists, like those at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute.

Preventing Chronic Symptoms Post-Concussion:

• High Risk of Visual Issues: 54%–80% of concussion patients report visual problems, with 69% of adolescents experiencing functional vision challenges.
• Potential Symptoms: Persistent headaches, dizziness, visual fatigue, and difficulties with schoolwork or screen time.
• Action Steps:
  • Early detection of visual dysfunctions through functional vision evaluations.
  • Vision therapy programs tailored to address symptoms and improve recovery outcomes.

The Concussion-Vision Link: A Growing Concern

If your child has recently experienced a concussion, you may be worried about their well-being and recovery. It’s understandably concerning when your young athlete or student is struggling with everyday activities after what is often dismissed as a “mild” brain injury. The reality is that concussions can lead to significant and persistent challenges—particularly visual issues that can impede learning, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Recent research shows a stark connection between concussions and vision problems; we’re here to help ensure that your child receives the comprehensive care they need to recover fully.

Key Research Findings

Research has illuminated a concerning statistic: approximately 69% of adolescents diagnosed with a concussion also suffer from functional vision problems. A collaborative study by pediatricians and developmental optometrists highlighted this alarming trend, indicating that many pediatric patients face undetected vision issues post-injury. This connection is crucial in helping healthcare providers understand the breadth of challenges that can arise following a concussion, beyond the immediate symptoms.

• Most patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) experience persistent difficulties one year post-injury, including cognitive and visual challenges.
• Symptoms commonly reported include headaches, light sensitivity, dizziness, eye fatigue, blurry vision, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can severely affect your child’s school performance and daily activities.
• Functional vision problems are distinct from general eyesight issues, emphasizing that even if a child has 20/20 vision, they may still struggle with visual tasks necessary for reading, sports, and classroom learning.

It’s essential to note that many children experiencing these symptoms may not vocalize them clearly. They often don’t recognize their visual difficulties as abnormal, which can delay needed referrals and treatments. By understanding the link between concussions and vision problems, parents and educators can take proactive steps toward comprehensive recovery.

69% of Adolescents Suffering from Vision Issues

The findings of the recent study illustrate just how critical it is for pediatricians, parents, and educators to recognize the possibility of vision problems following a concussion. While many children are advised to rest and wait for symptoms to subside, this approach may overlook significant underlying visual dysfunctions that can hinder their recovery.

Symptoms of vestibular-oculomotor dysfunction (VOD) have been documented in up to 76% of pediatric patients soon after a concussion, with 24% continuing to experience these issues chronically. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must be prepared to recognize these signs and understand that proper assessment and rehabilitation—including vision therapy—can lead to more effective recovery outcomes.

• Children may demonstrate behaviors such as difficulty reading (e.g., losing their place), experiencing double vision, struggling with focusing, and exhibiting increased sensitivity to light.
• Many affected children face challenges in their academic performance, often taking much more time to complete assignments or exams.
• These delays can lead to frustration not only for the student but also for parents who are eager to see their child return to their normal activities.

If you suspect that your child is showing any signs of visual complications after a concussion, we encourage you to seek a functional vision evaluation. 

Identifying Vestibular-Oculomotor Dysfunction (VOD)

Symptoms and Screening

When your child suffers a concussion, the aftermath can be concerning not just for them, but for you as parents. Many children face lingering symptoms that affect their daily lives, with studies indicating that 54% to 80% of individuals who experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) report visual complaints. Unfortunately, symptoms often go unnoticed, and accurate identification of complications related to vision can be challenging without proper screening.

Common symptoms that may suggest vestibular-oculomotor dysfunction (VOD) include:

• Headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Motion sickness
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slow reading or loss of place while reading
• Inability to tolerate busy environments

These symptoms can significantly impact your child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. 

During a functional vision evaluation following a concussion, a functional optometrist will assess a range of aspects of visual function that typically are impacted by a head injury including: 

• Convergence (the ability to focus on objects as they come closer)
• Saccades (rapid eye movements between objects)
• Smooth pursuit (tracking a moving target)
• Vestibular-ocular reflex (stabilizing vision during head movement)
• Visual motion sensitivity (resistance to visual disorientation)

Vestibular-Oculomotor Dysfunction impacts nearly 76% of pediatric patients acutely after a concussion, highlighting its prevalence and the necessity for thorough assessments.

Children with VOD may not only experience visual disturbances but may also suffer from connected issues, such as balance problems and sensation of dizziness. Symptoms are often misinterpreted or overlooked, leading to further complications and a slower path to recovery. For instance, while their visual acuity might maintain a seemingly normal score of 20/20, the functional abilities of their vision often falter. This disconnect can inhibit their capacity to engage fully in both academic and social settings.

Research indicates that children who have experienced a concussion can face setbacks in their ability to function optimally in school; they may find themselves struggling to keep up with peers or losing confidence due to their impaired abilities. It has been shown that approximately 70% of young athletes report visual coordination and focusing problems after a concussion.

The Importance of A Functional Eye Exam

What is a functional or developmental eye exam and why is it important after a concussion?

As parents, the health and well-being of your children is your top priority, especially after a concussion—an increasingly common injury among young athletes and active children. Understanding the implications of a concussion and its potential impact on your child’s vision can feel daunting, but awareness is the first step toward recovery. Research indicates that up to 69% of adolescents with concussions experience functional vision problems, which can significantly affect their daily activities, including reading and school performance.

Functional eye exams offer a comprehensive assessment beyond typical sight testing. Unlike standard eye exams that primarily focus on visual acuity (like 20/20 vision), a functional eye exam evaluates how well your child’s eyes work together while engaging in everyday tasks. This type of evaluation is crucial post-concussion because vision issues often go unrecognized, leaving children struggling with symptoms like double vision, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Addressing these symptoms quickly is important for helping your child return to their regular activities.

Vision Therapy Following a Concussion

Vision therapy is a vital component in the rehabilitation process after a concussion. Immediate examination and treatment are crucial, as concussions often result in oculomotor dysfunctions such as reading difficulties, issues with eye teaming (vergence), focusing (accommodation), and impaired eye movements like saccades and pursuits. According to the Targeted Evaluation and Active Management (TEAM) approach published in Neurosurgery (2016), vision therapy has been found beneficial for patients with concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries exhibiting these common visual problems.

Vision therapy employs a series of specialized exercises and tools designed to enhance oculomotor control, improve focusing abilities, and foster better coordination between the eyes. The therapy progresses through stages, starting with building foundational skills and advancing to visual input skills, visual processing, and ultimately visual learning. This structured approach helps retrain the visual system, promoting more efficient eye movements and visual processing.

Moreover, since vision is an integral part of the vestibular (balance) system, vision therapy can also address vestibular impairments that often accompany concussions. Symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, impaired balance, visual motion sensitivity, and gait issues can be alleviated through exercises that emphasize active vestibular and visual rehabilitation. Such interventions can reduce or eliminate conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and enhance balance, gaze stability, eye-head coordination, and overall gait.

By focusing on both the visual and vestibular aspects affected by a concussion, vision therapy offers a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy. It not only addresses immediate visual symptoms but also contributes to long-term improvements in daily activities, learning, and quality of life.

Why a Collaborative Approach Matters

Your child’s recovery journey can benefit immensely from a multi-disciplinary approach. Healthcare professionals—ranging from pediatricians to optometrists—play crucial roles in identifying and treating post-concussion symptoms. Collaboration between specialists can ensure that children receive well-rounded care tailored to their specific needs. For instance, if a pediatrician suspects vision issues following a concussion, referring the child to a developmental optometrist can lead to timely interventions that might change the course of recovery.

The Return to Learn Protocol

Step-by-Step Guide for School Re-Entry

After a concussion, returning to academic activities can be a daunting challenge for children and their families. It’s essential to adopt a structured approach that allows for a gradual reintroduction to school and learning while minimizing symptoms.

1. Initial Rest: Immediately after a concussion, it’s crucial to allow your child to take a break from cognitive tasks. This may include a short period away from school, homework, screens, and any activities that exacerbate symptoms. Limiting screen time during this phase is highly recommended.
2. Light Cognitive Activities: Once symptoms begin to improve, you can start reintroducing light cognitive activities. This may involve simple tasks, such as listening to audiobooks or drawing, for brief periods. Activities should be limited to 5-15 minutes and should stop whenever discomfort arises.
3. Gradual Schoolwork Engagement: As your child’s tolerance for cognitive activity increases, begin incorporating school-specific tasks at home. Start with short durations of around 30 minutes, ensuring to monitor your child’s symptoms closely.
4. Return to School: When your child can handle one hour of homework without significant symptoms over two days, you may consider returning to school. Initially, a modified schedule may be necessary, with fewer classes, reduced reading, and additional time for assignments. Always allow your child to take breaks in a quiet space if symptoms return.

Managing Cognitive Load

Implementing this protocol not only aids recovery but also helps manage cognitive load effectively. Understanding your child’s unique experience with a concussion is vital, as each child may have different symptom triggers. For example:

• Many children suffering from concussions experience visual disturbances such as double vision or tracking issues, which can complicate their ability to process information in a classroom setting.
• Research indicates that an estimated 69% of adolescents with concussions have some form of visual impairment that can hinder their cognitive performance.

These insights highlight the necessity of consulting with healthcare providers who understand the specific symptoms tied to concussions, especially visual deficits. Structured vision assessments can reveal functional vision problems, ensuring an effective recovery path tailored to your child’s needs.

Monitoring and Adjusting School Activities

As children begin to resume school, it’s essential to monitor their progress closely and adjust activities as necessary:

• Keep an open line of communication with teachers to adapt classroom settings that may exacerbate symptoms, such as bright lights or excessive noise.
• Utilize symptom checklists or reports to gauge your child’s tolerance and continuously adjust the workload based on their feedback.
• Have regular follow-up appointments with optometrists or concussion specialists to assess recovery and modify intervention strategies accordingly.

It’s important to understand that recovery from a concussion, particularly concerning visual cognition, can be a complex process. Delays in returning to normal educational activities can lead to frustration for both children and parents. Engaging with appropriate specialists promptly can significantly shorten the recovery timeline.

For parents navigating this journey, stories from others can provide reassurance. For instance, one parent shared how their child struggled for over two years post-concussion with double vision and reading difficulties. After finally receiving the right vision therapy, their child regained confidence and successfully transitioned back to school.

Taking proactive steps following this protocol can not only aid recovery but also empower your child to thrive academically after a concussion.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Detecting Symptoms Early

—can indicate that your child is suffering from more than just a bump on the head. A significant study shows that 69% of concussed adolescents experience functional vision problems, making early detection crucial. If your child has had a concussion, taking their symptoms seriously can lead to better outcomes.

The Risks of Delayed Treatment

Delaying treatment for a concussion can lead to chronic symptoms that linger for months, or even years. Research indicates that a majority of patients who have experienced an mTBI report ongoing difficulties as far as a year later. The longer you wait, the more compounded the issues can become. Children may experience persistent headaches, difficulty reading, and trouble with balance—disrupting not only their academic performance but their overall quality of life. Missed opportunities for timely intervention often leave children struggling with visual and cognitive symptoms that affect their daily routines.

How Early Treatment Benefits Recovery

The good news is that early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s recovery. Immediate, specialized treatment, such as vision therapy, can address the visual impairments linked with concussions. As a multi-disciplinary approach, it enhances the coordination of care among pediatricians, optometrists, and therapists, promoting quicker recovery rates and improved quality of life for young patients.

A detailed assessment can identify underlying visual disorders that often accompany concussions, like convergence insufficiency or other vestibular-oculomotor dysfunctions. Patients who engage in vision therapy and appropriate rehabilitation often experience:

• Significantly reduced symptoms
• Improved academic performance
• Enhanced confidence in physical activities
• Overall improved well-being and daily functioning

Don’t hesitate to seek help. Many parents have shared stories about their children who have benefitted immensely from early intervention, emphasizing the need for rapid evaluation and treatment after a concussion. As your child or patient navigates this crucial healing process, remember: the sooner we address the symptoms, the better the chances for a complete and fast recovery.

Collaborative Care for Best Outcomes

Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Effective concussion treatment requires coordinated care among multiple healthcare professionals due to the complexity of symptoms. About 69% of adolescents with concussions show functional vision issues.

Key Points:

• Coordination between pediatricians, neurologists, optometrists, and physical therapists
• Early recognition and treatment of vision problems
• Comprehensive care strategies for immediate and long-term recovery
• Established referral networks for prompt specialized care

Role of Parents and Families

Parents are essential partners in identifying and monitoring post-concussion symptoms, particularly vision-related issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor changes in academic performance and daily activities
• Watch for signs of vision problems and fatigue
• Communicate observations to healthcare providers
• Advocate for necessary evaluations and follow-ups

Healthcare Provider Guidelines

Healthcare providers must understand the connection between concussions and vision disorders to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Essential Actions:

• Use screening tools like VOMS assessment
• Conduct thorough vision evaluations
• Share findings across disciplines
• Stay updated on latest treatment protocols
• Implement vision therapy when appropriate

Statistics:

• Up to 90% of children experience visual disturbances post-injury
• Majority require specialized vision care
• Early intervention improves outcomes

Steps to Take After Your Child Sustains a Concussion

If your child has experienced a concussion, prompt and appropriate action is essential to facilitate a smooth recovery. 

Here’s what you should do to ensure your child receives the necessary care:

1. Seek Immediate Professional Evaluation
   • Pediatric Expertise: Consult a healthcare professional who specializes in pediatric concussions. A thorough evaluation is crucial to assess the extent of the injury.
   • Functional Vision Evaluation: Ensure that your child is seen by a developmental or functional optometrist for an in depth assessment of their vision looking for visual disturbances frequently impacted by a concussion.
2. Limit Cognitive and Physical Activities
   • Rest the Brain and Body: Allow your child to take a break from schoolwork, reading, screen time, and physical exertion for a few days following the injury.
   • Gradual Reintroduction: Slowly reintroduce activities based on your healthcare provider’s recommendations to prevent symptom recurrence.
3. Monitor and Document Symptoms
   • Symptom Journal: Keep a detailed record of any symptoms your child experiences, such as headaches, dizziness, or visual changes. Note their frequency, duration, and intensity.
   • Communication with Professionals: Share this information with your healthcare provider to help tailor the recovery plan.
4. Seek Therapy
   • Optometric Vision Therapy: This specialized therapy can address visual dysfunctions associated with concussions and support your child’s safe return to academic activities.
5. Avoid Delays in Treatment
   • Procrastinating on seeking appropriate treatment can lead to prolonged or worsening symptoms. Early intervention by specialists familiar with concussive injuries in children is vital. They can provide guidance and implement strategies to aid in your child’s effective recovery.

Schedule Your Child’s Vision Evaluation Today

Ensure your child receives the care they need to recover fully from a concussion. Call us at 859-879-0089 or visit https://nvpinstitute.com to schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations. Let’s work together to restore your child’s vision and confidence.