Debunking Myths About Concussions: What You Really Need to Know

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to concussions. Many people still believe outdated or misleading information about concussions, which can delay proper treatment and recovery. At New Horizons Vision Therapy Center, we see firsthand how misconceptions about brain injuries impact our patients. Let’s clear up some of the biggest myths surrounding concussions and explore how proper treatment can play a crucial role in recovery.

Myth #1: If You Didn’t Lose Consciousness, It Wasn’t a Concussion

Many people assume that a concussion only happens if you black out. That’s not true. In fact, most concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness at all. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, trouble focusing, or sensitivity to light can develop hours or even days after an injury. Just because someone stays awake doesn’t mean their brain isn’t affected.

Myth #2: You Just Need to Rest and “Shake It Off”

Concussions are brain injuries, and healing isn’t as simple as lying in a dark room for a few days. While rest is important in the first 24 to 48 hours, too much rest can delay recovery.  Long-term recovery often requires a personalized approach. Persistent symptoms like blurry vision, double vision, or difficulty concentrating may be signs that the brain is struggling to process visual information. This is where neuro-optometric rehabilitation comes in—it’s designed to retrain the visual system and improve brain function after a concussion.

Myth #3: Concussion Symptoms Will Always Go Away on Their Own

While some people can recover quickly, others experience lingering issues for months or even years. Post-concussion symptoms like headaches, eye strain, and difficulty with balance can persist if the visual system isn’t properly addressed. Specialized treatments can be game changers in helping patients regain clear and comfortable vision. Getting help sooner rather than later is important for long-term recovery.

How Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Can Help

A concussion can disrupt the way the brain processes visual information, leading to double vision, poor depth perception, light sensitivity, and difficulty reading.  Dr. Frazer creates customized treatment plans to address these issues, incorporating:

•          Therapeutic and Functional Prescription Lenses – These lenses help reduce strain on the visual system and improve focus, making daily tasks like reading and driving easier. Specialized prism lenses can help reduce the mismatch between how the visual part of the brain interprets where things are and where they actually are. Reducing this mismatch can significantly reduce symptoms of headache, nausea, dizziness, and balance issues associated with concussions. 

•          Binasal Occlusion – A technique that uses specialized occlusion of glasses lenses to limit excessive visual input, reducing symptoms like dizziness and disorientation.

•          Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation – A personalized therapy program designed to rebuild visual function and restore balance between the eyes and brain.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery at New Horizons Vision Therapy Center

If you or someone you love has been struggling with post-concussion symptoms, know that there are effective treatment options available. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can be life-changing for those dealing with persistent issues after a brain injury.

At New Horizons Vision Therapy Center, we specialize in helping patients regain their quality of life after a concussion. If you're experiencing vision problems, headaches, or dizziness following a brain injury, schedule a consultation at our Waunakee or Waukesha, Wisconsin locations. Please call (608) 849-4040 to book an appointment today.