A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a jolt or blow to the head or body. This impact can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, disrupting normal brain function. Since the eyes and vision are directly controlled by the brain, changes in eye movement and visual processing can serve as important indicators of brain health after a suspected injury. This article will guide you through observing and performing simple eye-related checks for signs of a concussion.
Why Eye Checks Are Important
The brain precisely controls various aspects of eye function, including movement, pupil responses, and visual information processing. Areas of the brain responsible for vision and eye coordination can be affected by the forces involved in a concussion. Therefore, any disruption in these functions can directly indicate neurological impairment. Observing the eyes provides a direct window into the brain’s state.
Eye-related symptoms are often among the earliest and most visible signs that someone may have sustained a concussion. These observable changes occur because the pathways connecting the eyes to the brain are sensitive to trauma. Recognizing these signs can offer immediate clues about a potential injury, prompting further evaluation.
Key Eye Signs to Observe
Specific visual and eye-related symptoms can signal a potential concussion. Pupil abnormalities are one important area to observe. These include unequal pupil size, known as anisocoria. Additionally, pupils might react sluggishly or not at all to changes in light, indicating a disruption in the neural pathways that control pupil constriction.
Eye movement issues are another significant category of signs. These can manifest as difficulty tracking an object smoothly, a phenomenon called saccadic dysfunction, where the eyes make jerky or uncoordinated movements. Uncontrolled, repetitive eye movements, known as nystagmus, or eyes that do not move together in unison, can also indicate neurological impairment from a concussion.
Visual disturbances experienced by the individual are also telling. These might include blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or an increased sensitivity to light, referred to as photophobia. Some individuals might also report seeing “stars” or “spots” in their field of vision. These subjective experiences reflect altered visual processing within the brain. Issues with visual processing can also contribute to problems with balance and coordination, leading to dizziness or unsteadiness, as the brain struggles to interpret spatial information correctly.
Simple Eye Checks to Perform
Several practical eye checks can be performed to observe for potential concussion signs.
Pupil Reaction
To assess pupil reaction, gently dim the room lights slightly. Use a penlight or the flashlight on a phone, shining it briefly into one eye. Observe how the pupil constricts in response to the light, then repeat the process for the other eye. Both pupils should constrict quickly and equally.
Smooth Pursuit (Tracking) Test
Hold your finger or a pen approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in front of the individual’s face. Ask them to follow the object with their eyes without moving their head. Slowly move the object horizontally from one side to the other, then vertically up and down, and finally diagonally. Observe if their eyes follow smoothly or if they make jerky movements, lose fixation, or struggle to maintain tracking.
Saccade Test
Hold two distinct targets, such as two pens, about 12 inches (30 cm) apart horizontally. Ask the individual to quickly look back and forth between the two targets without moving their head. Observe the speed and accuracy of their eye movements. The eyes should quickly and accurately jump between the targets.
Near Point of Convergence
Hold a small object like a pen or your finger about 18 inches (45 cm) from the individual’s nose. Slowly move the object closer to their nose, asking them to keep their eyes focused on it. Watch for when one eye drifts outward or if they report double vision. Typically, both eyes should be able to turn inward and stay focused until the object is within 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of the nose.
When to Seek Medical Attention
These simple eye checks are observational tools and are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. If any eye-related signs of a concussion are observed, or if a concussion is suspected, immediate medical evaluation by a healthcare professional is important. A medical professional can conduct comprehensive neurological assessments to accurately diagnose and manage the condition.
Certain symptoms warrant emergency medical care, highlighting the urgency of professional attention. These red flags include a worsening headache, seizures, any loss of consciousness, or repeated vomiting. Other concerning signs are increasing confusion, weakness or numbness in any part of the body, or significant changes in behavior or personality. Do not attempt self-diagnosis or delay seeking professional medical advice, as timely intervention can significantly impact recovery and prevent potential complications.