Sharing with Osteopathy

During this past weekend, Dr. Maud Nerman held her annual conference on treating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).   Osteopathy is a branch of medicine with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, seeing all systems of the body as an interrelated unit.  Find out more information on the American Osteopathic Association website.

I was invited as a guest speaker on January 30, 2022 to present on vision and TBI.  The topics included neuro-anatomy of the visual pathways, Neuro-optometric evaluation and treatment of TBI, as well as patient cases.  Approximately 70% of sensory information is processed through the visual system with far reaching effects on the sensorimotor systems of our body.  Visual dysfunction significantly affects on how we “see” and how well we function in our everyday lives.  In addition to light, our autonomic nervous system is implicated in the control of the visual system, known to be commonly affected in TBI.  

The regulation and accuracy of visual information with corresponding neurological substrates affects all other systems, as confirmed by the experience by the doctors of osteopathy at this conference.  Even visual strain can create somatic strain as the patient must develop maladaptive patterns to overcome these challenges. 

Key takeaway points from this presentation highlighted that visual dysfunction was high in patients with TBI, and how coordination of care could vastly benefit those afflicted, regardless of timeline.  Whether a recent head injury or one that occurred months, even years ago, being properly evaluated and treated will enhance patient success of recovery.