Blurred vision is a symptom of concussion. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a jolt or blow to the head or body. This impact causes the head and brain to move rapidly, leading to temporary changes in brain function.
Understanding Vision and Concussion
A concussion causes stretching and injury to brain nerves and blood vessels, leading to chemical changes that disrupt normal brain function. This disruption impacts the brain’s ability to process visual information, even if the eyes are not physically damaged. Vision is a complex process involving eyes and brain working together to interpret what is seen.
A concussion can affect various aspects of visual function, leading to symptoms like blurry vision. The injury can interfere with eye tracking, the ability to smoothly follow moving objects or maintain focus while reading. Problems with eye focusing, also known as accommodative insufficiency, can make it difficult to clearly see objects at different distances. Issues with eye coordination, or binocular vision, can also arise, causing the eyes to struggle working together, which may result in double vision or eye strain.
Other Indicators of Concussion
While blurry vision is a possible sign, concussions typically present with a range of other indicators that affect different bodily functions. These symptoms can be grouped into physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related categories.
Physical symptoms often include headaches, a feeling of pressure in the head, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting. Sensitivity to light and sound, neck pain, and problems with balance can also occur.
Cognitive changes are common, such as confusion, feeling dazed or “in a fog,” and difficulty concentrating or focusing. Individuals might experience memory problems, slowed thinking, or trouble understanding or following conversations.
Emotional indicators can involve irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of sadness or depression. These emotional shifts can sometimes be subtle but may represent a significant change from a person’s typical behavior.
Sleep-related disturbances are another frequent consequence of a concussion. These can manifest as feeling drowsy or fatigued, having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping more or less than usual. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury but can develop hours or even days later.
Seeking Medical Care
Prompt medical attention is important following any head injury, especially if symptoms like blurry vision are present or worsen. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation, rather than attempting to self-diagnose. Certain indicators warrant immediate emergency care, such as a headache that intensifies or does not go away, repeated vomiting, or seizures.
Other signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
Loss of consciousness.
Severe dizziness with balance problems.
Slurred speech.
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
Clear fluid or bleeding from the nose or ears.
Increasing confusion or agitation.
When seeking help, providing details about how the injury occurred, the timeline of symptoms, and any changes observed helps the medical team.
Concussion Assessment and Healing
When a concussion is suspected, healthcare professionals typically conduct a thorough assessment. This often includes a neurological exam to check vision, hearing, strength, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Cognitive testing may also be performed to evaluate thinking skills, such as memory, concentration, and the ability to recall information.
Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI, are generally not used to diagnose a concussion itself, as concussions typically do not show visible structural damage on these scans. However, imaging may be recommended in cases with severe or worsening symptoms to rule out more serious injuries like bleeding or swelling in the brain.
Recovery from a concussion primarily involves physical and cognitive rest, with a gradual return to normal activities as symptoms improve. Following medical guidance is important for a safe recovery.