The Need for Neuro-Ophthalmologic Evaluation in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors.  MICHELLE M. MANASSERI (Lancaster, PA), Cynthia Socha-Gelgot, and Robert M. Stein.
Abstract: We have observed an increased need for neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients subsequent to findings of visual processing deficits on neuropsychological evaluation. The purpose of the study was to substantiate the need for standard neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations as part of routine rehabilitation planning following MTBI. We reviewed all neuropsychological evaluations conducted within the context of MTBI that were referred to our practice within the last six years. A majority (60%) of individuals from the aforementioned group was referred for neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation. Fifty-two percent of patients who followed through with the recommended neuro-ophthalmologic assessment were subsequently referred for vision rehabilitation. Our findings indicate that a majority of MTBI patients require neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation following neuropsychological evaluation, and that neuropsychological evaluation assists with the identification of visual processing and visuoperceptual deficits following MTBI that leads to improved treatment planning. Implications for a multi-disciplinary approach to community-based neurorehabilitation within the context of MTBI are discussed.