Key Takeaways
- Light and sound sensitivity are common concussion symptoms
- In some cases, light and sound sensitivity do not resolve by themselves over time
- These and other visual processing issues can profoundly impact quality of life
- Mind-Eye Institute offers cutting-edge support for people who suffer from these symptoms
Vision and hearing are some of our most precious senses. In fact, one study by JAMA Opthalmology found that vision is our most valued sense, followed by hearing! After a concussion, these senses can become overwhelmed, presenting as sensitivity to light (photophobia) and to sound (phonophobia). When ambient lighting seems too bright without sunglasses and casual noise levels prompt cringing or covering one’s ears, the whole world can feel abrasive and uninviting.
While some concussion symptoms may go away over time, others, including noise and light sensitivity, can linger for years, according to the International Brain Injury Association—especially if they are left unaddressed. Over time, these symptoms can create difficulties with work, socializing, and even simple pleasures like walking on a sunny day.
Fortunately, science has helped us better understand how the brain works both before and after a concussion, allowing experts to develop new paths toward recovery.
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
Our brains are responsible for helping us perceive the world. All of the data picked up and processed by our eyes and ears is sent through intricate pathways to the brain to allow us to understand our surroundings. With the ability to sort about 11 million bits of information per second, our brain is one of the most complex organs in our body.
Sight and hearing rely on the proper functioning of these pathways, not just the organs of our eyes and ears themselves. For instance, on its way from the optic nerve through multiple lobes of the brain, the information within our visual tract interacts with other pathways to affect hearing, balance, and even emotions. A disruption along any point of this processing route can cause long-term problems.
Whether a concussion—a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI)—is due to a sports accident or a stroke of bad luck, it can have profound effects on daily life. Even concussions that seem “minor” can cause serious problems. In fact, per the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, there is no such thing as a minor concussion.
Recent concussion management guidelines suggest that three million Americans sustain a mild TBI every year and, for one in five individuals, symptoms persist beyond one month.
Some Common TBI Symptoms
When the brain is injured, its processing ability is affected. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
- Memory problems
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
The exact type and severity of the injury can vary widely from person to person, depending on the patient’s age, the nature and extent of the injury, and the impact location. For instance, an injury to the front of the head will not present with the same symptoms as an injury to the back of the head.
While some individuals see their TBI symptoms resolve within a few months of the incident, others experience post-concussion syndrome (PCS), with symptoms that can last for years and have a real impact on their quality of life. Fortunately, Mind-Eye Institute can help mitigate some of the most challenging PCS symptoms.
Lingering Noise and Light Sensitivity After Concussion
While the exact cause of PCS is unclear, we know that photophobia and phonophobia are both common presentations. Those who haven’t experienced light or noise sensitivity after concussion may not understand that they are more than slight irritants—they're incredibly disruptive.
Photophobia can vary in severity from mild to so intense that ambient room lighting feels painfully bright, and a sunny day is unbearable. People who suffer from photophobia often wear dark glasses both indoors and outside but may still feel uncomfortable. Likewise, phonophobia can vary from mild to extreme sensitivity to sound. Severe phonophobia makes normal background noise, such as traffic sounds or regular conversations, excruciating.
Photophobia and phonophobia can also occur in other contexts. Photophobia can be caused by various conditions, including dry eye and ocular infection or inflammation. Phonophobia can be the result of infection within the ear or exposure to loud noises. People who suffer from migraines often report experiencing light and sound sensitivity. The key difference is that non-concussion-related instances of photophobia and phonophobia often go away within a few days of treatment. Meanwhile, post-concussion symptoms may last for years without relief.
Coping with Photophobia and Phonophobia
It is helpful to identify and understand the processing issues that can arise as a result of a concussion. Knowing the root of an issue can often help people cope with the symptoms, and ease frustration. Because concussion symptoms often do improve on their own, conventional advice is to get plenty of rest and avoid triggers for the symptoms, such as bright rooms or loud settings.
However, further treatment may be required for processing issues that do not resolve on their own. While some patients find relief from avoiding triggering environments, this approach is often impractical for long-term recovery.
Recent advances in neurorehabilitation have opened the door to new treatments that retrain the brain to more effectively manage sensory input. For example, light-filtering glasses and sound therapy are used in clinical settings to help patients gradually build tolerance to sensory stimuli. However, these may still fall short for some sufferers.
A Revolutionary Treatment for Post-Concussion Sensitivity
Fortunately, modern science and technology have allowed for a new approach to PCS symptoms. The Mind-Eye Institute is dedicated to helping individuals who suffer from concussion-related photophobia and phonophobia. Their extensive diagnostic and treatment techniques and experienced medical staff are committed to helping individuals who suffer from light and sound processing issues. They start with carefully assessing the problem via a patented assessment and use innovative technology to help chart a treatment course.
The Z-Bell™ Test
The Z-Bell Test is able to evaluate visual and auditory processing in the brain and identify potential processing issues that can lead to photophobia and phonophobia. A noninvasive diagnostic assessment tool developed by Dr. Zelinsky at the Mind-Eye Institute, the Z-Bell Test can help pinpoint problems in patients who experience sensory integration issues, such as those caused by concussions and other neurological conditions.
The test consists of a bell being rung while the patient has their eyes closed. The test evaluates whether the person can correctly localize the sound and touch the bell. If the eyes and ears are functioning properly together, the patient should easily locate and touch the bell while their eyes are closed. However, when there is a disconnect between auditory and visual processing (such as after a concussion), the person may have difficulty finding the bell even though they can hear it. This helps the Mind-Eye team understand how the brain integrates input from the eyes and ears to make sense of the environment, in order to craft a personalized rehabilitation plan for the patient.
Mind-Eye Brainwear™
Mind-Eye Brainwear is a specialized treatment tool developed by the Mind-Eye Institute to help individuals with sensory processing issues, particularly those caused by concussions. Mind-Eye Brainwear consists of customized glasses with special lenses designed to modify how light enters the eyes and is processed by the brain. This unique device helps recalibrate the brain processes of sensory information. Stimulating different brain areas ultimately helps improve processing and cognition, improving post-concussion photophobia and phonophobia.
The Road to Recovery
Since no two PCS patients are the same, the evaluation at the Mind-Eye Institute includes crafting an individual plan. Recovery is a journey, and the healthcare professionals at the Mind-Eye Institute are committed to the success of their patients. Ultimately, the goal is for patients to be able to enjoy their daily lives again.
Recovering after a concussion, especially if you are struggling with lingering sound and light sensitivity, is not easy. Fortunately, the professionals at Mind-Eye Institute are here to help. Even if you have been told in the past that nothing more can be done, connect with us today for an evaluation and allow us to help you on your journey to recovery.
Interested in learning more?
At the Mind-Eye Institute we understand that interactions between the electrical and biochemical pathways in the brain affect physical, physiological and psychological systems. Visual interventions that alter retinal signaling pathways impact both the electrical and biochemical systems.
To learn about next steps for registering as a patient or registering a child as a patient, please call the Mind-Eye Institute office at 847.558.7817 or you can fill out our online New Patient Inquiry Form provided here.
