Neuro Rehab Uses New Tools for
Visual Problems
When you think of problems with
vision, you probably think of a
pair of glasses or a visit to the
optometrist. But visual problems can
include many other issues, especially for
people who have neurological damage.
Many events such as a stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, other diseases, and even mild head trauma can cause neurological damage that can interfere with visual skills. Even those who have never had such an event also can experience visual problems.
“Tracking words on the page while reading can be difficult, as well as everyday tasks like balancing a checkbook or managing medications,” says Helene Graham, Director of Therapy Services. “Sometimes students who are struggling with reading in school have a vision impairment, but don’t realize it.”
To identify and help treat this problem, CCH occupational therapists and speechand- language pathologists are using a new tool called a Visagraph®, which measures eye movement patterns while a person is reading or looking at a series of numbers. If the patient isn’t sure whether he or she has a visual problem, the Visagraph can help identify it and lead the therapist to the next step for treatment.
Once the Visagraph identifies eye movement problems, a computer-based program called Reading Plus® can train the patient’s eyes to track correctly, as well as monitor improvement. The therapist selects specific programs based on the patient’s needs, and the patient can use it in the clinic or at home with a highspeed Internet connection.
“The Reading Plus programs are not only effective tools for our neurologically impaired patients, but also provide a real boost to the student who is having reading difficulties—and to the geriatric adult who is noticing a decline in reading speed and mental processing,” says Graham.
For more information about the
Visagraph, please view the Visagraph
and Reading Plus demonstrations on
the web at www.cch.org, or contact
Chelsea Community Hospital’s Neuro
Rehab Department at
