What to Do When a Head Injury Affects Schoolwork

A head injury - whether from sports, a fall, or an accident - can create challenges that extend far beyond the initial event. For school-aged children, even mild concussions can disrupt how the brain processes visual information, leading to difficulties with reading, writing, focus, and overall learning performance. When your child suddenly struggles in the classroom after a head injury, it’s important to know what steps to take and where to turn for help.
 

Recognize the Visual Symptoms After a Head Injury

Even when a child seems “physically recovered,” visual processing challenges may linger. These symptoms often show up during schoolwork:

• Trouble concentrating while reading

• Losing their place on the page

• Blurry or double vision

• Headaches during homework

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty copying from the board

• Feeling overwhelmed by busy worksheets

• Trouble tracking moving objects
 

How Head Injuries Affect Learning

When the brain experiences trauma, the visual system - responsible for more than 70% of classroom learning - can become disrupted. This may affect:

• Eye tracking (following words on a page)

• Eye teaming (using both eyes together)

• Depth perception

• Visual memory

• Visual processing speed

Without proper support, these disruptions can lead to declining grades, behavioral changes, or a sudden loss of confidence in school.
 

Schedule a Neuro-Optometric Evaluation

A standard eye exam often isn’t enough to uncover post-injury visual problems. Children may have “20/20” eyesight yet still struggle with functional vision skills essential for learning.

A neuro-optometric evaluation takes a deeper look at how the brain and eyes communicate. This allows us to pinpoint the exact visual challenges caused by the injury and create a targeted plan for recovery. At Advanced Vision Therapy Center, our team is trained to diagnose these complex issues and build a roadmap for healing.
 

Explore Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation

Once the root issues are identified, neuro-optometric vision rehabilitation can help retrain the visual system. This specialized therapy is designed to:

• Restore eye-brain communication

• Improve visual processing

• Strengthen tracking and focusing skills

• Reduce symptoms like headaches and double vision

• Improve reading fluency and comprehension

For many children, these improvements translate directly into better performance and comfort at school.
 

Get Expert Care After a Head Injury

A head injury can have a lasting impact on your child’s ability to learn, but the right support can make all the difference. If your child struggles with reading, concentration, or visual comfort after a concussion or other head trauma, they may be experiencing a visual processing problem. Our programs for vision therapy for children in Boise, ID help young patients recover from head injuries and regain confidence in the classroom.
 

Contact Advanced Vision Therapy Center today to schedule a comprehensive post-injury evaluation and learn how vision therapy can help your child thrive. Visit our office in Boise, Idaho, or call (208) 377-1310 to book an appointment today.