Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a major impact on a person’s vision. Two common visual problems that can occur after a TBI are post-trauma vision syndrome and visual midline shift syndrome. These conditions can make it hard for a person to balance and do everyday activities.
In the past, these problems were often misdiagnosed. However, recent research has shown that two specific treatments, called yoked prisms and binasal occlusion, can be very helpful in managing these symptoms.
Yoked prisms work by shifting the concept of the visual midline, allowing affected individuals to realign their posture and regain balance. Binasal occlusion, on the other hand, alters visual input, providing the brain with an alternate way to process information and relieve symptoms.
A case study of a 58-year-old female who was referred to our practice is presented as an example. The patient had experienced dizziness and poor balance 5 months after a minor car crash. Despite multiple medical evaluations, including neuroimaging, no cause for her visual symptoms was found. The patient was undergoing chiropractic care for neck pain and physiotherapy and occupational therapy to improve balance and posture.
The patient was prescribed yoked prisms and binasal occlusion. After 2 weeks, the patient reported that her dizziness and poor balance had improved significantly. The patient was able to walk in crowded spaces and felt more stable when standing up.
If you or someone you know has had a TBI and is experiencing visual problems, yoked prisms and binasal occlusion may be options to consider. These therapies can provide a new way for the brain to process visual information and improve balance and posture, making it easier to go about daily activities. It is important for healthcare professionals to consider these options when managing TBI patients with visual complications.