Vision test could lead to earlier diagnosis of brain injury

A new test that uses peripheral vision reaction time might help doctors to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) earlier. An estimated 3.8 million people get a mild traumatic brain injury, also referred to as a concussion, in the U.S. each year from playing sports or being involved in some other type of recreation, according to […]

A new test that uses peripheral vision reaction time might help doctors to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury(TBI) earlier.

An estimated 3.8 million people get a mild traumatic brain injury, also referred to as a concussion, in the U.S. each year from playing sports or being involved in some other type of recreation, according to protectthebrain.org. During 2001-2005, children and youth ages 5-18 years accounted for 2.4 million sports-related emergency department (ED) visits annually, of which 6% (135,000) involved a concussion.

A concussion occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild” because concussions are usually not life threatening. But, the effects of a concussion can be serious, according to brainline.org.

Following a concussion, some people lose consciousness for a short time, but not always — you can have a brain injury without losing consciousness.

Every brain injury is different, so some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not show up for days or weeks after the concussion. The  signs of concussion  can be subtle. Most people with mild injuries recover fully, but it can take time. Some symptoms can last for days, weeks, or longer.

Peter J. Bergold, PhD, professor of physiology and pharmacology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center is a corresponding author of the study focused on peripheral vision reaction time.

An earlier diagnosis of brain injury could lead to better management of patients who are at risk for developing persistent symptoms, according to Dr. Bergold and his co-authors.

“Lingering symptoms may include loss of concentration and/or memory, confusion, anxiety, headaches, irritability, noise and light sensitivity, dizziness, and fatigue,” an article on News Medical Life Sciences reads.

“Mild traumatic brain injury is currently diagnosed with subjective clinical assessments,” says Dr. Bergold. “The potential utility of the peripheral vision reaction test is clear because it is an objective, inexpensive, and rapid test that identifies mild traumatic brain injury patients who have a more severe underlying injury.”