NovaVision Supports National Stroke Awareness Month in May

NovaVision supports May as National Stroke Awareness Month by providing stroke support and resources to stroke survivors and their families.

Diagnosing Stroke

Only an experienced medical professional can definitively diagnose a stroke using various imaging tests. However, stroke has several characteristic symptoms, including sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side; sudden confusion or inability to speak or walk; sudden vision changes; and sudden, severe headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Effects of Stroke

The effects of stroke are variable and diverse; they depend on where and to what degree the brain was affected. However, one rule holds true: because the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa, a stroke affecting one side of the brain will cause problems in the opposite side of the body.

 

A stroke may cause one or more of the following:

·         Vision problems

·         Paralysis in one side of the body

·         Balance problems

·         Personality/behavioral changes

·         Problems with speech and language problems

·         Memory loss

 

Stroke can cause a variety of vision problems, including:

·         Loss of one-half or one-quarter of the visual field (hemianopia or quadrantanopia)

·         Double vision

·         Vertigo/dizziness

·         Difficulty reading

·         Difficulty recognizing faces, letters, numbers, etc.

 

In the past, stroke-related vision loss was considered untreatable. However, advanced research has led to significant advances in vision therapy techniques.

 

Even if a stroke survivor perceives no problems with his or her vision, he or she should have a vision evaluation as soon as possible post-stroke. Ideally, this evaluation should be done by a clinician or physician well-versed in both low vision and brain injury — vision impairment can affect rehabilitative efforts and it takes an expert clinician to plan an effective course of vision therapy.

 

NovaVision VRT can provide significant visual gains to stroke and brain injury survivors by unlocking a process called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to heal itself. The affects of VRT not only allow these individuals to see better; it also allows them to participate again in normal daily activities.

More Information about Stroke and Vision Restoration Therapy