Can Simple Eye Tests Help Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Any type of head injury or concussion – like those commonly occurring due to car accidents and sport-related accidents –could lead to a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In cases of moderate to severe TBI’s a host of tests, CT Scans and MRI are generally conducted to check the extent and the severity of the damage. Patients with TBI’s are often given immediate medical attention to ensure minimum damage and prevent complications. TBI’s could be closed or blunt head injuries (injuries with no blood visible), or an open injury, where loss of blood, along with traumatic injury can be seen.

According to statistics, about two-thirds of all head injuries can be categorized as mild TBI’s. While they are categorized as the least serious brain injury, if left unchecked, they could lead to further complications like emotional disorders, balance problems, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, vertigo/dizziness, and many other complications. Unfortunately, mild TBI cases are often left undiagnosed and untreated during a medical screening at an emergency room. They are given attention only when the symptoms manifest into larger complications like a stroke.

Eye Tests for TBI, Concussions

There are about thirty areas of the human brain and seven out of the twelve cranial nerves of the brain that are associated with vision. It is therefore very common that an individual suffering a head injury or a TBI will experience visual issues. The most commonly occurring TBI-related vision problems are

• Blurry vision
• Photophobia or sensitivity to light, glare sensitivity
• Oculomotor-based reading dysfunctions or reading difficulties where words appear to move
• Memory, attention, comprehension and concentration issues
• Double vision or diplopia
• Eye fatigue, aching eyes or headaches with visual tasks
• Inability to maintain visual contact or focus
• Impaired oculomotor tracking or difficulties with eye movements, such as:
  • Binocular vision (issues with depth perception, eye alignment, 3D vision, eye teaming, stereopsis)
  • Saccadics (issues with shifting gaze quickly from one point to the other)
  • Eye tracking
  • Inability to focus on objects

The list is long and exhaustive. However, a simple eye test may be able to reveal more about a head injury or a TBI. An eye test that does not last longer than ten minutes, may be able to reveal if a person has suffered a brain injury. The test includes three eye measurements with a device called a pupilometer and a visual symptoms questionnaire. Some claim it can detect even the mildest TBI and can be easily taught to emergency medical practitioners. The test is currently used by the US Army to detect cases of TBI.

The test is easy, quick and inexpensive and can deter mild, unattended cases of TBI from developing into something more complicated or severe.

Why Speak With an Attorney?

If your injury was caused by a car accident or another type of accident caused by someone’s negligence, you may have a claim for compensation for any injuries that resulted. If you've experienced a TBI in Chicago, contact Willens Law Offices today at (312) 957-4166 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyer.