Oculomotor Assessment in Concussion

Course overview

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.