Can my loved one see?
Every part of the brain is involved in how we process and understand visual information. It is very common for patients to have vision changes after brain injury. These vision changes can include, but are not limited to:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Difficulties moving one or both eyes in all directions
- Double vision when looking at items close to the face
- Difficulties with smooth, coordinated eye movements
Throughout your loved one’s recovery and rehabilitation, their vision will be assessed for possible vision changes that can impact recovery and function. Eye doctors, such as neuro-optometrists, can prescribe exercises to help the brain’s visual system improve after injury.
Learn more from the resources below about visual function and how it may be affected in a person with a disorder of consciousness:
Visual Function (PDF)
From TIRR Memorial Hermann
Vision Problems and Traumatic Brain Injury
From Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
Vision Issues After Brain Injury
From BrainLine
Common Vision Problems & Symptoms Following a Brain Injury
From Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (noravisionrehab.org)
Includes visual examples of vision changes after brain injury
Can my loved one hear?
Hearing is difficult to evaluate when your loved one is not able to respond the way they may normally respond. Learn more below about how hearing may be affected by brain injury and things you can do to engage with your loved one with hearing challenges.
Auditory Function
From TIRR Memorial Hermann