Functional Neurology Offers Treatment Options For People Struggling With Visual Disturbances

The ability to see clearly influences many of our daily routines and interactions, so if you’ve found yourself grappling with blurred vision or other visual disturbances resulting from an infection, injury, or autoimmune or vestibular disorder, it’s likely been a source of frustration and concern. 

Visual disturbances, ranging from fleeting blurriness to more intricate challenges, can stem from an array of neurological disorders and conditions that affect the vestibular system. It’s important for a practitioner to accurately diagnose and localize the region of dysfunction in order to provide the best possible treatment. Here are a few conditions that can cause visual disturbances and how functional neurology can effectively treat them. 

Migraines 
Visual disturbances, also called “aura,” can occur with migraine attacks. These may include flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag patterns. Identifying the causes and triggers of migraines helps us tailor a treatment plan. Our practitioners at Neurohealth Services may begin with a blood chemistry analysis to detect or rule out hormonal imbalances, inflammation markers, and immune dysfunction, and use diagnostics to evaluate whether inner ear problems or postural alignments are aggravating the symptoms. We may use oculomotor rehabilitation and oxygen therapy to enhance nerve healing and reduce inflammation. We also use non-invasive manual therapies designed to reset nervous system pain signaling and cold laser therapy to stimulate cell regrowth and repair. 

Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
When the brain experiences the sudden jolt or impact of a concussion, it can disrupt visual processing pathways, leading to impaired communication between the eyes and the brain. Functional neurology treatments that focus on optimizing nervous system function can help repair these pathways. We use the Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) to help pinpoint areas in need of treatment, the Alpha-Stim cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) to help stimulate nerve cells, and other non-invasive therapies designed to promote healing, improve circulation, and reduce swelling and inflammation. 

​Autoimmune Disorders 
Autoimmune disorders can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nervous system and the eyes. This can lead to blurred vision or other vision problems. Functional neurology is often one aspect of a broader treatment plan and can include treatments such as neurological rehabilitation exercises designed to stimulate specific parts of the brain that are involved in visual processing. We also incorporate sensory stimulation techniques like light therapy to influence neural pathways related to vision. Last, our practitioners might make nutritional and lifestyle recommendations such as dietary changes, and supplements to support overall nervous system health.

COVID-19 and Long Haul COVID
Visual disturbances can be a symptom of both an active COVID-19 infection and long haul COVID, and they can include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty focusing, and eye pain. A few of the therapies we are currently using are similar to those we use to treat PCS and include oculomotor rehabilitation to retrain and improve eye movement coordination, gaze control, and visual processing, and therapies designed to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. 

If you are experiencing visual disturbances, it’s important to seek evaluation and get a diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the underlying cause of your visual disturbances, treatments may include therapies, lifestyle modifications, or other non-invasive interventions that have been proven effective. Call (317) 848-6000 for a free 10-minute consultation with a caring and experienced specialist at Neurohealth Services and get on the path to wellness today.