A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from a jolt or blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This rapid movement can temporarily disrupt normal brain function. Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, refers to an increased discomfort or pain in the eyes when exposed to light. Light sensitivity is a common symptom experienced after a concussion.
Understanding Light Sensitivity After Concussion
Light sensitivity is a common visual disturbance following a concussion. It can cause discomfort or pain even from normal light levels, leading individuals to wear sunglasses indoors or avoid bright environments. The severity can range from mild discomfort, causing squinting, to debilitating pain that impacts daily activities. Many also report difficulty with screens, fluorescent lights, or headlights at night. This symptom is often most severe within the first one to three weeks after injury, though it can persist longer.
Why Concussions Cause Light Sensitivity
Concussions can lead to light sensitivity through several mechanisms impacting the brain’s visual processing. The injury can disrupt the intricate neural pathways responsible for processing visual information. This disruption can result in the brain becoming less efficient at filtering irrelevant visual input, leading to an overload of sensory information.
Issues with the eye’s ability to adapt to light, such as pupillary dysfunction, also contribute to photophobia. The autonomic nervous system, which regulates pupil size, can become dysregulated after a concussion, causing pupils to dilate more than usual and allow excessive light to enter the eye. A concussion can also create a heightened state of excitability in the brain, causing it to overreact to sensory input like light. Specific brain regions, such as the thalamus and superior colliculus, which are involved in filtering visual information and controlling eye movements, can also be affected, contributing to increased light sensitivity and pain.
Coping with Light Sensitivity and Concussion Recovery
Managing light sensitivity after a concussion involves minimizing exposure to bright lights. Dimming indoor lights, closing blinds, and using lampshades can help control light intensity. Wearing tinted lenses, such as FL-41 glasses, can provide relief by filtering specific problematic wavelengths of light. These rose or pink-tinted lenses block blue-green light that can trigger discomfort.
Taking regular breaks from screens like smartphones, computers, and televisions is beneficial, as these devices emit light that can worsen symptoms. Outdoors, wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection and a wide-brimmed hat can reduce direct sunlight exposure. While complete darkness might seem appealing, gradually reintroduce light exposure in controlled environments to help the eyes and nervous system adapt.
Concussion recovery principles also support managing light sensitivity. Resting physically and cognitively allows the brain to heal. Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, such as strenuous exercise or loud environments, can prevent symptom flare-ups. Gradually returning to normal routines as symptoms improve is part of the recovery process. Staying hydrated is also beneficial, as dehydration can potentially worsen light sensitivity.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if certain symptoms arise following a head injury, even if light sensitivity is the primary concern. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary for symptoms such as a worsening headache, persistent or repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, or any signs of a seizure or convulsions. Loss of consciousness, even if brief, or difficulty staying awake also warrant urgent medical assessment.
Other indicators for seeking prompt medical care include weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, slurred speech, or noticeable changes in behavior. Unequal pupil sizes, where one pupil is larger than the other, also requires immediate attention. A medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate management for concussion symptoms.