Irlen and Traumatic Brain Injury
Individualized spectral filters alleviate persistent photophobia, headaches and migraines in active duty military and Veterans following brain trauma
Purpose. Consistent with the association between photophobia and headache, growing evidence suggests an underlying causal relationship between light sensitivity and central pain. We investigated whether an intervention to regulate light sensitivity by filtering only wavelengths causing difficulties for the specific individual could alleviate headaches/migraines resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods. Secondary data analysis of a clinical database including N = 392 military personnel (97% men, 3% women), ranging in age from 20 to 51 years, diagnosed with TBI, persistent headaches/migraines, and light sensitivity. The average elapsed time from TBI diagnosis to intervention was 3 years. Headache/migraine severity, frequency, medication use, and difficulties related to daily functioning were assessed pre and 4–12 weeks post-intervention with individualized spectral filters. Results. Monthly migraine frequency decreased significantly from an average of 14.8 to 1.9, with 74% reporting no migraines post-intervention. Prescription and over-the-counter medication use decreased by more than 70%. Individuals also reported significant improvement in light sensitivity, headaches/migraine severity, and physical and perceptual symptoms. Conclusions. Wearing individualized spectral filters was associated with symptom relief, increased subjective quality of reported health and well-being, and decreased objective medication use for TBI-related persistent headaches/migraines. These results support a suggested relationship between dysregulated light sensitivity and central regulation of pain.
Bansal, S., & Green, K. (2022). Application of colored filters in patients post-traumatic brain injury: A review. NeuroRehabilitation, (Preprint), 1-10.
Background: Tinted lenses have been used to manage visual discomfort and photosensitivity in patients with migraines, benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and epilepsy. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to examine the existing clinical research regarding the use of colored filters among patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Methods: A review of English articles from PubMed, Embase from embase.com, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO (OVID), Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with publication years from date of inception to June 10, 2021 was performed. Articles were first screened by title and abstract, followed by full-text review. The search strategy resulted in 7819 results. The final analysis included seven articles which discussed the use of tinted lenses in patients post-traumatic brain injury. Results: While there is a paucity of information related to the therapeutic use of tinted lenses to mitigate post-traumatic light sensitivity and migraines, patients will subjectively report improved symptoms, specifically with precision tints or FL-41. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action as well as objective and subjective benefits of tinted lenses in patient post-traumatic brain injury.