[Project] Optimal Interventions for Treatment of Visual Deficits in Individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract

Approximately one-third of the human brain controls visual anatomy or transmits and registers visual information (Kapoor & Ciuffreda, 2002). Because of this, acquired brain injuries ABI can frequently cause visual impairment.

Following an ABI, it is important for visual deficits to be taken into account and addressed during occupational therapy evaluation and treatment. Although considered a primary sense for obtaining information, vision is often ignored or overlooked in rehabilitation programs. Vision screens should be conducted and collaborations and referrals to a neuro-optometrists made. There is a lack of research regarding the benefits of visual interventions with individuals that are more than two years post-injury.

The project looked at benefits of addressing visual deficits in individuals who have experienced a ABI and are five years or more post-injury. A vison program was established at a day enrichment center for individuals’ years postinjury. Vision programs were established in collaboration with a neuro optometrist and performed at an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation center.

Two different case studies and a pilot study detail the benefits of a comprehensive vison program in individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. A pilot study was conducted to monitor the benefits of development of a program to address visual deficits effecting reading with individuals more than five years post-brain injury. There is potential for ocular motor deficits such as pursuits and saccades to improve with continued training and for improvements in visual deficits to improve performance in activities of daily living

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[POSTER] Correlation of Visual and Motor Recovery in Stroke Patients during Early Rehabilitation Period – Full Text PDF

Introduction
Two dysfunctions that may coexist within a stroke are motor paresis (or palsy) and visual disorders. A dysfunction on the visual field may wrongly lead to a correlation with poor prognosis while being confused with the neglect syndrome.

Objectives
The purpose is to explore the recovery of the motor and visual disorders of stroke patients during early rehabilitation and define any correlations between these changes.

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[ARTICLE] A computerized perimeter for assessing modality-specific visual field loss – Full Text PDF

Abstract

The characterization of visual field loss provides a
valuable diagnostic metric for studying the effects of damage to
the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex. We describe a tool, the
Quadrant Vision Perimeter (QVp), to rapidly and accurately
measure visual fields. In addition to measuring the location of
visual deficits, the tool can assess modality-specific field loss
(e.g., impaired detection of luminance, motion, depth and color)
and severity of the deficit. We present validation and
normalization for parameters of visual attributes, as well as
exemplar comparisons of visual fields obtained automatically
using QVp to standardized perimeters for three stroke patients.
Patient visual fields are compared among visual features to
assess modality-specific deficits, and over time, to measure fine
changes in visual fields, due either to spontaneous recovery or
visual degradation.

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