New Research Links Concussions to Vision Problems—Can Holistic Therapy Help?

Concussions are often associated with headaches, dizziness, and cognitive fog, but many people don’t realize that vision problems can be one of the most persistent symptoms. From blurred vision and light sensitivity to difficulty focusing, post-concussion visual disturbances can linger for weeks or even months after the initial injury.

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Now, researchers are diving deeper into the link between concussions and vision, uncovering how brain trauma can disrupt the communication between the eyes and the brain. As traditional treatments focus on symptom management, emerging holistic therapies—including chiropractic adjustments and neuro-optometric rehabilitation—are gaining attention for their potential to support recovery.

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How Concussions Affect Vision

A concussion, classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurs when a sudden impact or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Because the brain and eyes are closely connected through the visual system, any disruption to neural pathways can lead to a range of vision-related issues.

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Common Post-Concussion Vision Symptoms:

• Blurred or double vision – Difficulty maintaining a clear focus on objects.
• Light sensitivity (photophobia) – Heightened discomfort in bright environments.
• Difficulty tracking objects – Struggles with reading or following moving objects.
• Eye strain and fatigue – Increased discomfort after screen use or prolonged reading.
• Vestibular dysfunction – Dizziness or nausea due to visual-vestibular mismatches.

A study published in The Journal of Neurotrauma found that nearly 60% of concussion patients experience vision issues post-injury, often lasting longer than cognitive symptoms. Experts believe this is due to the disruption of neural connections between the brain’s occipital lobe (which processes vision) and the vestibular system (which controls balance and spatial awareness).

While traditional concussion treatment includes rest, hydration, and symptom management, newer research suggests that rehabilitative therapies—both conventional and holistic—may play a key role in recovery.

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Holistic Approaches to Concussion Recovery

Chiropractic Care and Neural Realignment: Chiropractic adjustments are primarily known for treating musculoskeletal pain, but some research suggests they also benefit concussion recovery. Because concussions often result in cervical spine misalignment, chiropractic care may help restore proper nervous system function and improve blood flow to the brain, which can aid in healing.

According to The Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, cervical spine dysfunction following head trauma can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and vision disturbances. Chiropractic adjustments targeting the neck and upper spine may help reduce these symptoms by improving communication between the brain and the body.

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Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation: Vision therapy, often used for children with learning disabilities, is gaining traction as a treatment for post-concussion vision problems. Neuro-optometrists use specialized exercises, prism lenses, and light therapy to retrain the brain and improve eye coordination.

A 2023 study in The Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology found that structured vision therapy improved eye-tracking ability and reduced symptoms of photophobia in concussion patients. While more research is needed, early findings suggest that targeted eye exercises may help restore proper visual function.

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Craniosacral Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation: Craniosacral therapy, a gentle hands-on technique that manipulates the skull and spinal fluid, is sometimes used to alleviate tension in the brainstem and improve nervous system function post-concussion. Vestibular rehabilitation, which focuses on balance training and sensory integration, is also gaining recognition as a way to manage dizziness and spatial disorientation following a head injury.

Holistic practitioners emphasize that these approaches should complement—not replace—traditional medical treatment, but they may offer additional support for individuals struggling with lingering post-concussion symptoms.

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How to Navigate Concussion Recovery

Recovering from a concussion can feel frustrating, especially when symptoms like vision disturbances persist. While every case is unique, integrating a combination of traditional and holistic therapies may improve outcomes. Here are a few ways to support recovery:

1. Get a Comprehensive Evaluation – Work with a healthcare provider, such as a neurologist, chiropractor, or neuro-optometrist, to assess post-concussion symptoms and determine a personalized treatment plan.
2. Prioritize Rest and Hydration – The brain needs time to heal, so minimizing screen time, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities can help reduce strain.
3. Explore Vision Therapy – If visual disturbances persist, consider working with an optometrist who specializes in neuro-visual rehabilitation.
4. Consider Chiropractic or Craniosacral Therapy – If symptoms involve neck tension, dizziness, or headaches, chiropractic adjustments or craniosacral therapy may provide relief.
5. Monitor Symptoms and Adjust Treatment – Recovery timelines vary. Tracking symptoms and working with healthcare professionals can help tailor treatment approaches over time.

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Conclusion

As research continues to uncover the complex ways concussions impact vision, it’s clear that recovery requires a multifaceted approach. While traditional treatments focus on managing symptoms, holistic therapies—including chiropractic care, vision therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation—offer additional avenues for healing.

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For those navigating post-concussion recovery, working with a diverse team of healthcare providers can be key to restoring full function. Whether through structural adjustments, neural retraining, or balance therapy, integrating multiple treatment methods may help individuals regain clarity, focus, and overall well-being.

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Sources

Science Focus

The Journal of Neurotrauma

The Journal of Chiropractic Medicine

Mayo Clinic

The Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology

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