There’s No Such Thing as ‘Just’ Having Your Bell Rung

Concussion is a hot topic in the media today, especially in reference to young athletes. Multiple studies over the last several decades have shown a strong link between contact sports like football and traumatic brain injuries, and more and more people are starting to take notice. Parents, coaches and doctors are becoming more aware of the seriousness of concussions and their potentially devastating consequences.

Signs of a Concussion

A lot of people are unaware that you don’t have to be knocked unconscious from a hit to the head in order to get a concussion. If fact, you don’t even have to get hit in the head at all! A hard impact that causes the head to snap back can lead to a concussion as well. It’s also important to remember that symptoms of a concussion can take up to a week to appear, and last for weeks, if not months. While a temporary loss of consciousness is common, there are several other signs and symptoms to look for:

Fatigue
Headaches
Not being able to remember the event that caused the concussion
Dizziness and nausea
Vomiting
Appearing dazed or confused
Slurred speech
Ringing in the ears

Identifying Post-Concussive Syndrome

Concussions can mess with the way the brain interprets visual signals from the eyes, which can lead to post-concussive syndrome. Patients who experience even a mild brain injury can be left with many post-concussive symptoms, including:

Headaches and dizziness
Neck pain
Anxiety
Reading difficulties
Difficulty sleeping
Unusual irritability

Many of these post-concussive symptoms can also be signs of binocular vision dysfunction, so if these symptoms persist after three months, the visual system may be to blame. Patients with these ongoing symptoms should be screened by Dr. Cheryl for vertical heterophoria and superior oblique palsy.

The absolute worst thing a person who’s recently had a concussion can do is go out and get another concussion. Receiving a second concussion before the first one is completely healed can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage. If you’ve sustained a concussion, it’s important to be responsible and honest about your symptoms. Until a doctor clears you for play, take a break and stay off the field!

If you or your child have had your “bell rung” and still have post-concussive symptoms, please reach out to the Neuro Visual Center of New York at (516) 224-4888 so we can help. Chances are a pair of aligning prismatic lenses will dramatically improve these symptoms, and your life as well!

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.

Navigation

Signs of a Concussion

Identifying Post-Concussive Syndrome

About Dr. Cheryl Berger Israeloff

Testimonials