Blurry or Cloudy Vision After a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Blurry vision affects a huge percentage of traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims, with 9 out of 10 reporting this symptom following a heavy blow to the head. While the neurological causes for blurred vision after a severe blow can vary based on the type of injury and location of the impact, experiencing visual disturbances is not a good sign, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
At Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we’ve helped countless TBI victims understand blurry vision and get the resources they need to overcome this injury. Let’s go over blurry vision from a TBI, what causes it, and how you can hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
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Can TBIs Cause Blurry Vision?
The short version of this answer is a resounding yes; a bad blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury that, in turn, produces blurred vision.
In this context, blurred vision refers to the inability to focus your vision and keep your eyes on a specific item or location. Needless to say, blurry vision can significantly impact your daily routine and prevent you from doing common activities like reading, driving, walking down the street, and even watching television.
It’s important to note that TBI symptoms like blurry vision can manifest immediately or after the blow, so it’s important to monitor your progress after the injury.
Neurological Causes Behind TBI Blurry Vision
Experiencing sudden blurry vision is different from a blow to the head for many reasons, including the actual neurological causes behind the issue. The TBI neurological issues that may cause visual disturbances include damage to:
- The optic nerve
- Cranial nerves are responsible for eye movement
- The cranium, which can lead to increased pressure
- The part of the brain responsible for contrast sensitivity
- Neurological pathways that transmit information from the eyes to the brain
Symptoms Related to TBI: Blurry Vision
A blow to the head that results in blurry vision also causes symptoms, including
- Double vision, also known as diplopia
- Photophobia, which is the technical term for light sensitivity
- Eye strain and headaches
- Inability or difficulties following moving objects
- Dizziness and other balance problems
When to Seek Medical Attention for Blurry Vision TBI
If you are experiencing blurry or cloudy vision after a blow to the head, it’s best to seek medical attention right away. This is especially true if you have accompanying side effects such as unequal pupil sizes, severe headaches, or loss of consciousness, even if it’s for a few seconds.
In the case that you’re also slurring your words, feel weak, or feel confused and disoriented, you should go directly to the emergency room or call an ambulance, as you may be experiencing a medical emergency.
Diagnosis and Treatment
We know what causes blurry vision after a severe blow to the head, but it’s important to get checked by a medical expert to get properly diagnosed.
Once a medical professional performs a comprehensive evaluation, you will know the source of the blurred vision. There are many treatment options, including prism glasses, optometric rehabilitation, and other types of intervention.
How Long Does Recovery Take from TBI Blurry Vision?
Just like blurred vision causes, the amount of time it takes to recover from this type of issue can vary based on a few factors, like
- Severity and location of the injury
- Physical condition and state before the injury
- Type of treatment administered
Some patients overcome blurred vision in a few weeks, while others require ongoing treatment. Recovery may be incomplete if you don’t get the right support, so make sure to work with a medical professional until you reach the end of your treatment protocol.
Contact the Brain Injury Law of Seattle and Get Legal Help Today
Suffering blurry vision can be scary and worrying, so seeking medical attention right away is essential, even if the issue subsides. Blurry vision caused by a traumatic brain injury can be a sign that there is more damage and additional injuries that need to be taken care of.
While heavy blows can damage the optic nerve and the visual pathways that lead to the brain, it’s impossible to understand the extent of your injuries without appropriate medical attention. The good news is that you’re not alone—at Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we have extensive experience helping accident victims get the resources needed to recover fully.
If you or a loved one has experienced blurry vision due to a traumatic blow to the head, you may be entitled to compensation while you focus on bouncing back. Contact us today to talk about your case, and our team of legal experts will be glad to help.
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Client Story
M.W., Kent, WA
"M.W. was riding his bicycle in a bike lane in Kent. He was a 24 year old elite cyclist in excellent shape. A driver of a truck in the lane next to him suddenly turned right and nicked M.W., making him fall off his bike. He was wearing his helmet. However, when he fell to the ground, his head struck the pavement along with his left shoulder. "
Contact Brain Injury Law
Call or email us for a free consultation, and find out how we can help you get your life back following a brain injury. We are here to help, answer questions, and educate you about what you have to look forward to. We have the medical and legal knowledge to tell you what you are facing and how you can be helped. We pledge to always tell you like it is so you can make informed decisions about your brain injury and how best to help yourself. This is what we do.
