Release of Cone-Rod Suppression as a Key Mechanism for Concussion-Induced Light Sensitivity

Purpose : Concussion-induced light sensitivity, or traumatic photalgia, is a lifelong debilitating problem for upwards of 50% of cases of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). The retinal source of the pain of this persistent light sensitivity remains controversial and we found no previous reports of brain trauma affecting human retinal processing. We employed spectral analysis of electroretinographic (ERG) responses to assess unsuspected damage to the retina of the human eye and determine its retinal-cell source.

Methods : All participants had letter acuity of 20/40 or better in both eyes (LE