Oculomotor Assessment in Concussion
Presented by Anne Mucha
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After a concussion, oculomotor system dysfunction is common and may cause headaches, blurred vision, and functional difficulty with activities such as reading and computer work. Physical therapists and occupational therapists who treat patients with concussions need to be able to screen and evaluate for oculomotor impairment. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) is one tool that can assist clinicians in identifying important vestibular and oculomotor system deficits after a concussion. In this course, Dr. Mucha will review the VOMS and how to interpret findings. Additionally, she will discuss other important aspects of the oculomotor examination beyond the VOMS, including pursuits, saccades, vergence, accommodation, and ocular alignment testing. A review of abnormal findings, as well as when referral to another provider is needed, will be discussed. Finally, Dr. Mucha will perform a demonstration of the VOMS and other aspects of the clinical oculomotor examination.
Meet your instructor
Anne Mucha
Anne Mucha is the coordinator of vestibular rehabilitation for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Centers for Rehab Services. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy with advanced certification in vestibular rehabilitation. With more than 20…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS)
Concussion often results in a multitude of issues, including impairments in the vestibular and visual systems. Therapists who work with patients following a concussion, regardless of area of practice, should be able to screen for relevant vestibular and oculomotor impairment. This chapter will review and demonstrate the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) tool, including how to interpret findings.
2. Oculomotor Examination for Therapists Beyond the VOMS: Pursuits, Saccades, Vergence, and Accommodation
Effective concussion management requires proper assessment of the oculomotor system. As therapists are often not exposed to oculomotor examination techniques in their entry-level curriculum, this course will review key elements of the clinical oculomotor exam—including the assessment of pursuits, saccades, vergence, and accommodative function—through lecture and demonstration.
3. Oculomotor Examination for Therapists Beyond the VOMS: Ocular Alignment
Various oculomotor system impairments occur frequently following a concussion and may complicate recovery. This chapter will expand upon the previous oculomotor screening and exam chapters and conclude with a review of ocular alignment testing and demonstration. Implications of abnormal findings will be discussed.
More courses in this series
Fundamentals of Concussion
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Concussion Assessment: An Overview
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Oculomotor Assessment in Concussion
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Balance Examination in Concussion
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Cervical and Exertion Assessment in Concussion
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Assessment of Headache and Psychiatric Issues in Concussion
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BPPV and Vestibular Advances in Concussion
Susan Whitney