How Traumatic Brain Injury Impacts Pupil Reactivity

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2. TBI affects numerous and diverse aspects of human neurology, one of which is the ability of a person’s pupils to react. It is vital to comprehend the changes in the size of the pupils in the context of TBI to ensure early identification of the problem and adequate treatment. This blog aims to discuss how TBI impacts pupil reactivity and the role of the pupil exam in clinical practice. The Basics of Pupillary Response Pupillary response is when our pupils dilate and/or constrict in response to light and other stimuli. Under normal conditions, pupils will constrict in response to coming in contact with bright light sources, a process referred to as miosis while they dilate in low light conditions, a process referred to as mydriasis. This reaction is regulated by the ANS and is considered an index of the brain activity and its condition. copywrite@neuroptics.com

3. The Pupillary Response in Traumatic Brain Injury In the case of TBI, this reactiveness of pupils to light can be affected. Often the brain is affected and the neural networks, which regulate the activity of the autonomic nervous system, are affected – this is why sometimes the pupils do not react as they should. This can be observed as anisocoria where the pupils are of unequal sizes, non-responding pupils, or delayed response to light. It is often associated with changes in the intracranial pressure or trauma of certain areas of the brain. Anisocoria As a result of TBI, anisocoria, which is an unequal size of the pupils, is quite apparent. This condition can indicate serious brain damage and is considered a medical emergency. It is commonly a sign of a lesion of the oculomotor nerve or other important networks of the brain. copywrite@neuroptics.com

4. Non-Reactive Pupils A non-reactive pupil or fixed pupil is one in which the size of the pupil does not alter in response to the illumination. This may be a sign of severe head injury and raised ICT. Non-reactive pupils are an important category in the pupil exam and may require immediate intervention. The Importance of the Pupil Exam The pupil exam is one of the neurological tests that should be conducted in TBI patients. It gives swift and useful information regarding the extent and course of the brain trauma. Thus, the assessment of pupil size, position, and reactions can help healthcare providers identify the need for further diagnosis and develop the most appropriate treatment plan. copywrite@neuroptics.com

5. Conclusion Conditions such as anisocoria or non-reactive pupils should be treated as emergency medical conditions since they are signs of brain injury. School-age children particularly those dealing with the TBI need to undergo constant pupils’ examinations to determine their reaction to treatment and make better treatment plans. It is important for the personnel in the health sector and the TBI survivors and their families to understand these changes. copywrite@neuroptics.com