TBI Research and My Trip to See Dr. Debby Feinberg | The Neuro Visual Center of New York

I just returned from and wonderful trip to Michigan and Dr. Debby’s office. I spent a lot of time observing cases with her. I am always learning new things from every case I see, so that was very exciting for me. One case was a Colonel that works in the Pentagon. He suffered a concussion and was having difficulty driving and functioning until he was treated by Dr. Debby. It was great to learn his story and see his progress. He just drove from Virginia to Michigan for his visit and is now back in activity duty. We all thanked him for his service.

The evening was spent with many colleagues in the fields of neurology, otolaryngology, and Pain Management docs. Lots of very interesting conversation about visual and vestibular complications post concussion. I was very excited to meet Dr. Randy Benson who treats many ex professional football players. Since he sees patients from all over the US, he said he will be sending some my way.

Then we were treated to a lecture by Dr. Dallas Hack. Dr. Hack is behind the financing for almost all the research going on in TBI today. From changing the way we diagnose and classify TBI to exciting new treatments.

Within the next 3 months he is hoping to get FDA approval for a blood test to detect TBI. A new device from the University of Wisconsin Medical School, called a pONS device is also in clinical trials. It hooks up to the tongue, ( the tongue has the most nerve endings in the body) and helps rewire the brain pathways. We are learning that the brain is very plastic and can be healed with the proper treatments. Out of Dr. Feinberg’s office, a new article is being published in the journal of Brain Injury, describing how Binocular Vision Dysfunction is precipitated by concussion and using the Feinberg method of prism correction helps relieve the symptoms of PCS. Next up for them is going to be a double blind study, which is the gold standard for scientific research. Also, a multi center retrospective study on the effectiveness of prismatic lens treatment for post concussive syndrome. My practice, The Neuro Visual Center of New York is looking forward to being a part of that study.

If you would like anymore information about our work or questions about visual symptoms post concussion feel free to contact my office at 516-224-4888.

Testimonials

Prior to being treated by Dr. Cheryl, I constantly felt off balance. I had suffered from frequent migraines since I was 12 years old. I often suffered from neck/ back pain, and always felt like I was straining my neck and/or tilting my head to focus on the computer. My family had always noticed that I walked a bit sideways as well, but they attributed that to me being "clumsy". I had awful anxiety about walking down flights of stairs or through the mall, as I always had this irrational fear of falling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as I would tend to avoid social situations where I felt uncomfortable or not in control. At my annual eye exam, Dr. Cheryl asked how my migraines had been. I casually mentioned that I was having dizzy spells and felt off balance. As Dr. Cheryl went through a series of questions, it seemed like she was reading off a script of my symptoms. She started to explain binocular vision dysfunction and asked if I would consider a neuro visual test that may be able to determine if I was a candidate for the type of treatment she was involved in. I was skeptical, but desperate. The tests administered by Dr. Cheryl produced black and white, concrete results. I was blown away by how clear it was that this "visual vertigo" I was experiencing was not only completely legitimate, but treatable. My skepticism disappeared immediately when Dr. Cheryl had me wear a trial pair of glasses with prisms in them. I felt taller, grounded, and completely in control. My glasses have made a tremendous difference in my everyday life. I feel balanced and aware of my surroundings. I no longer catch myself tilting my head while reading through pages of documents on my computer, or tilting my head to get a better view of the TV. It is more than a change in my prescription or a "clearer view," it is an entire perspective change. I have not had a single migraine in 6 months - I am still in shock when I say those words. My dizzy spells have subsided, as well. When I am not wearing my glasses, which is rare, I can immediately feel the difference in my equilibrium. I would never have guessed that all of these symptoms and subsequent issues, were vision related. Dr. Cheryl was 100% supportive and genuinely concerned about my comfort and progress throughout this whole journey. I would, without hesitation, recommend her to anyone that suffers from these symptoms. She is a true life saver and is passionate about investing her time and energy into this growing field.

A. S.

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