Auditory/Visual Integration Assessment and Treatment in Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Retinal stimulation should be considered as a possible treatment for brain injury. Recent research has demonstrated that activating the retina – in particular, the peripheral retina – can influence inputs to the brain in ways that may be useful in rehabilitation. The specific treatment involves designing non-traditional eyeglasses that intentionally alter signaling pathways, rather than simply sharpening central eyesight. These often overlooked peripheral retinal pathways are activated or inhibited by feedback mechanisms linked with internal body systems, such as metabolism and attention. Changes in peripheral retinal stimulation can affect internal perception and can occur at conscious, or beneath conscious, processing levels.