Rehabilitation of Visual Processing Deficits following Brain Injury

Visual processing deficits are common sequelae in individuals who have sustained a brain injury.  Visual processing includes the acquisition of visual information and the appropriate use and manipulation of that information based upon task or environmental demands.  Following brain injury, visual processing deficits can manifest in various ways, and will likely interfere with the patient’s progress and rehabilitation outcome.

Vision is the most important sensory system that humans use to obtain information about the surrounding environment.  The visual system consists of the eyeball, the optic nerve, and several areas of the brain, which interact in complex ways that are currently only partially understood.  Many people use the term “visual perception” to describe how the visual system operates, although the actual process of visual perception enables us to make sense of information processed by this sensory system.

There are a large number of identifiable visual processing skills operating within the visual system, and there have been several attempts to describe them in some kind of rational framework.  These include the Deficit Skill Approach, which categorizes visual processing into specific deficits, and the Information Processing Models, which describe the reception, organization, and assimilation of visual information on a continuum from simple to complex.

The rehabilitation of visual processing deficits begins once the visual assessment is completed and specific deficits are identified.  Treatment can be multi-disciplinary and be provided by a variety of professionals including optometrists, neuropsychologists, and vision, cognitive, and occupational therapists.  As with other areas of cognitive rehabilitation, there are two broad approaches to the treatment of visual processing deficits: adaptive and remedial.  Utilizing these approaches in combination may result in the most successful rehabilitation outcome.  Adaptive treatment is provided in activities of daily living (ADLs).

It is well documented that visual processing deficits are a common problem following brain injury.  The impact of these deficits is likely compounded by associated or coexisting problems along with cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and medical conditions.  Proper and comprehensive visual assessment is vital in identifying potential visual deficits.  Once these deficits have been identified, visual (cognitive) rehabilitation strategies can be implemented.  Undoubtedly, effective treatment and rehabilitation for visual processing deficits will result in improved functional adaptation, better rehabilitation outcomes, and a more favorable prognosis.

For additional information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office at 732-988-3441.

Michael J. Raymond, Ph.D., ABN, FACPN
Board Certified Neuropsychologist #232
Licensed Psychologist #35S100252900