Saccadometry is a functional ocular evaluation of saccadic eye movements using an infrared laser test. A saccadometer (the diagnostic tool) evaluates various regions of the brain and quantifies the velocity, latency, and position of each eye movement registered. A diagnostic session consists of precise and purposeful eye movements.
We are proud to say that Broadview Spine & Health Centre is one of the few clinics in Canada to utilize saccadometry as an evidence-based treatment for post-concussion syndrome. We are able to provide personalized care based on diagnostic findings from saccadometry testing. Book an appointment today!
TREATMENTS FOR CONCUSSION
Vision Therapy
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Transcranial Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Eye Exercises
Somatosensory Evoked Potential
Ear Insufflation
Non-surgical Decompression Therapy
Non-surgical decompression therapy can resolve head and neck pain
Non-surgical Decompression Therapy
Nutritional Recommendations
Auditory Therapy
Laser Guided Proprioceptive Feedback
Who Benefits From This Treatment?
Who are good candidates for saccadometry? Studies have been shown that saccadometry is an effective treatment for people who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury – most commonly a concussion. Post-concussion syndrome has a variety of physical and mental manifestations, one of which is an impairment of oculomotor control.
Saccadometry demonstrates a significant improvement in saccadic velocity from regular and consistent testing. Saccadic velocity has a direct correlation to the frequency of the brainstem nuclei firing, therefore improvement in velocity can facilitate a recovery of everyday autonomic functions.
If you have suffered a concussion recently, or in the past and still have symptoms, talk to Broadview Spine & Health Centre in Ottawa today about how this treatment could help your symptoms of a concussion.
How Saccadometry Works
Saccadometry is meant to help regain precise ocular control following head trauma. Improving your ability to make smooth rapid eye movements is important considering you make roughly 180,000 of those movements every day.
The diagnostic tool is called a “saccadometer” and it provides objective information related to the level of head trauma. It has infrared cameras that track eye movements as well as a laser for the target. The laser is projected onto a blank wall in front of the patient and the fixation point varies positioning from left to right. During the test, we are getting important data in order to assess latency, accuracy, and velocity of each eye movement.
A dynamic saccadometer trial serves as a baseline measurement that provides data to create a customized treatment plan. With frequent testing periods, we are also able to map out an individual’s progress level to see analytically driven improvements.
Trust Broadview Spine & Health For Your Treatment
At Broadview Spine & Health Centre we strive to provide the highest quality of care to all of our patients. We are the leading providers of evidence based treatments for concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries in Ottawa. Trust our experienced team to provide you with the support and resources to help you get back to living your life!
No matter the cause or nature of your head injury, our saccadometry services have helped many patients who have suffered from a variety of brain traumas. If you have suffered a concussion recently, or in the past and still have symptoms, talk to Broadview Spine & Health Centre in Ottawa today about how this treatment could help ease your concussion symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Saccadometry is a functional ocular evaluation of saccadic eye movements using an infrared laser test. A saccadometer (the diagnostic tool) evaluates various regions of the brain and quantifies the velocity, latency, and position of each eye movement registered. A diagnostic session consists of precise and purposeful eye movements
Broadview Spine & Health Centre utilized state of the art diagnosis equipment to allow us to gain quality information on how to approach treatment to every patent’s unique symptoms. A Videonystagmography allows us to get a fine-tuned reading of eye movements on video and with graphical representation.
- Helps us identify where damage is located in the brain
- Helps develop a customized program for the patient
- Provides conclusive evidence for brain injury symptoms
A common symptom for those who have suffered concussions and experiencing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome includes fatigue. Fatigue can come from many different factors. However, concussions build fatigue symptoms on a cellular level from the damage sustained in a concussion, interrupting your body’s ability to build and use energy.
- Fatigue from concussions is a result from calcium leaks
- Other fatigue could stem from problems with thyroids or anemia
- Fatigue problems can take some time to fully recover from
Post-concussion syndrome is a complex condition that requires a lot of care and time to fully recover from. You could experience significant fatigue, inability to effectively concentrate, headaches, poor balance, and loss of fine motor control. These and more are the result of concussion damage to three major areas in your body, which all require the care our clinic can provide:
- Physical damage the cell wall of the brain
- Damage to the motor systems of the eyes and balance
- Cervucigenic symptoms such as pain in the neck
Broadview Health Centre offers specialized equipment and technology that helps us diagnose problems and treat them effectively in regards to concussions and other mild-traumatic brain injuries. These tools are a mix of physical tests and electrical monitors working in tandem to give evaluations of the body’s control over balance and motor control, giving us invaluable information on a patents condition by:
- Evaluating the body’s ability to balance on flat and uneven surfaces
- Balance when a patents head is turning in various directions
- Building information on how a concussion effects an individual