Vertigo & Vestibular

Visual-Motion Sensitivity After Concussion

Discomfort in busy visual environments after head injury.

Supermarket aisles, traffic, and screens can provoke symptoms after head injury when the systems handling vision, balance, and neck position are not agreeing with one another.

This is a recognised pattern after concussion and is worth describing specifically, since it points to particular systems that can be evaluated directly.

Why this matters

This kind of sensitivity affects work, driving, and shopping, and it is easy to under-report because it can sound vague or hard to explain compared with more obvious symptoms.

Naming and measuring it gives people language for what they are experiencing and a clearer sense of what might help.

The brain & nervous-system connection

Where the nervous system fits in

Eye movement, neck position sense, and the vestibular system are examined together, since visual-motion sensitivity typically reflects how well these systems are cooperating rather than a problem in any one alone.

Evaluation focuses on identifying which of these systems is contributing most, to guide what kind of care, if any, is appropriate.

What we look at

We look for patterns, not a single test

  • Detailed health history and consultation
  • NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
  • Posture and movement
  • Balance and coordination testing
  • Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
  • Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
  • Palpation and spinal function
  • Other examination procedures based on the individual

Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.

Scope of care

What this does — and doesn't — mean

What we do

  • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
  • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
  • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
  • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
  • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.

What we don't claim

  • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
  • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.

This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.

Common questions

Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
Do I need imaging before I come in?
Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.

When medical evaluation may be needed

Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.

  • Worsening symptoms rather than gradual improvement
  • New neurological symptoms
  • Significant impact on driving or safety

Related at Foothills Chiropractic

  • Balance & CoordinationBalance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
  • Ankle InstabilityA repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
  • Atlantoaxial InstabilityExcessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
  • Auto Accident InjuryMusculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.

Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?

Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.

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