Seeing-Moving-Playing: Early Rehabilitation Utilizing Visual and Vestibular Technology Following Traumatic Brain Injury

The aim of this research program is to 1) Evaluate potential problems with vision, inner ear-eye reflexes and deficits of processing eye information that occur following TBI; and 2) Evaluate treatment programs for individuals with eye and inner ear problems that persist for greater than 10 days following injury.

This study will include 465 youth and young adults (aged 6-30 years old) who sustain a TBI of any severity. An initial evaluative phase using the best available technology to evaluate eye and inner ear function will be performed, and compared with typical tests that are used in the clinic. If symptoms and functional problems remain 10 days after injury, participants will be randomly placed into a treatment group (including eye movement, inner ear-eye reflex and attention exercises as per our pilot studies) or a control group (typical rehabilitation). Success will be measured in terms of return to sport (mild TBI), achievement of goals (moderate and severe TBI) and quality of life. It is expected that this program will inform clinical practice and future research leading to a treatment program in TBI that includes multiple components.