Vertical heterophoria was identified in a group of TBI patients with postconcussive symptoms and treatment of the vertical heterophoria with individualized prismatic spectacle lenses resulted in a 71.8% decrease in subjective symptom burden and a relative reduction in VHS-Q score of 48.1%. It appears that vertical heterophoria can be acquired from TBI.
Neutralizing prismatic lenses are an effective treatment of headache, dizziness and anxiety in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms and VH.
Aim: Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological condition characterized by a constant sensation of self-motion; onset may be motion-triggered (MT) or non-motion-triggered/spontaneous (NMT/SO). People with MdDS experience similar symptoms to those with vertical heterophoria, a subset of binocular visual dysfunction. Hence, we aimed to explore potential visual symptom overlaps. Methods: MdDS patients (n = 196) and controls (n = 197) completed a visual health questionnaire. Results: Compared with controls, the MdDS group demonstrated higher visual disorder scores and visual complaints. NMT/SO participants reported unique visual symptoms and a higher prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: Our findings suggest visual disorders may coexist with MdDS, particularly the NMT/SO subtype. The difference in visual dysfunction frequency and medical histories between subtypes, warrants further investigation into differing pathophysiological mechanisms.
Objective:
Among patients presenting with dizziness, visual dysfunction must be considered, including vertical heterophoria (VH), a frequently under-identified form of binocular vision dysfunction where there is vertical discrepancy between the lines of sight of the eyes when at physiologic rest. Current self-rated screening measures do not account for complex VH symptomatology including dizziness/ambulation difficulties, nausea, headache, anxiety, neck pain, and reading impairment. VH must be differentiated from vestibular/otolithic etiologies, as their treatment frequently provides inadequate relief, yet treatment of the VH can reduce/eliminate symptoms. The objective of this study is to create a valid measurement tool (binocular vision dysfunction questionnaire) to assist in identifying VH among dizzy patients to aid in appropriate referral.
Study Design:
Retrospective case series.
Setting:
Tertiary referral center.
Patients:
One hundred twenty-six patients presenting to an optometric binocular vision subspecialist diagnosed with VH.
Intervention:
Psychometric study. The measurement tool's internal consistency and test–retest reliability was assessed. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed. Validity was estimated through correlations with a visual analog scale and validated instruments for headaches, dizziness, and anxiety.
Main Outcome Measures/Results:
Excellent reliability demonstrated including Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and high test–retest reliability. Statistical correlations with established measurements established sound convergent/content validity. Analysis of participants who underwent treatment indicated change in BVDQ score correlates with perception of change in symptom burden.
Conclusions:
Results suggest the BVDQ is a valid, reliable screening tool to assist otologists in identifying VH among their dizzy patients. The BVDQ may also be useful for measuring changes with various treatments, and in identifying diverse symptoms associated with BVD/VH
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