For a concussed patient, a temporally interrupted, flashing input can overwhelm the visual cortex as the frequency and brightness changes set off a cascade of neuronal responses creating a strong photosensitive reaction.

The Senaptec Strobe is designed to train the connection between an individual’s eyes, brain, and body.  Using liquid crystal technology, the lenses flicker between clear and opaque, removing visual information and forcing the individual to process more efficiently.

When using the Senaptec Strobe goggles as a symptom-provoking concussion probe, we place the strobe at the fastest flicker setting (level 1) and ask the patient to put them on.  We’ve found that almost all concussed patients find this to be intolerable.

We also use the strobes as a rehabilitation tool by having the patient try to wear them for short periods of time in the slowest flicker setting (level 8).  As the patient becomes desensitized to the stimulation, we have them gradually increase speed of the flicker over time until level 1 is achieved.  Then the Senaptec Strobe can be re-introduced into athlete enhancement drills.

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