Postconcussion: Receded Near Point of Convergence is not Diagnostic of Convergence Insufficiency

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the frequency of occurrence of receded near point of convergence (NPC) in patients with chronic concussion-related symptoms and in those with receded NPC to enumerate the frequency of convergence insufficiency and other oculomotor disorders.

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods: Clinic charts were retrospectively reviewed for the prior 3.5 years to identify all patients < 21 years old who were > 28 days postconcussion, had chronic concussion-related symptoms, had normal visual acuity, and had received a comprehensive sensorimotor examination. The frequency of receded NPC and oculomotor diagnoses were determined.

Results: Of the 83 eligible patients, 74 (89%) had receded NPC. Of these, 70 (95%) had oculomotor disorders; 30 (41%) had disorders of accommodation only; 21 (28%) had convergence insufficiency and accommodation deficits; and 6 (8%) had convergence insufficiency only. Six (8%) had a convergence deficit other than convergence insufficiency (all with concurrent accommodative disorders); 4 (5%) had both a nonspecific vergence dysfunction and accommodation deficits; 2 (3%) had convergence excess only; and 1 (1%) had both convergence excess and accommodative deficits.

Conclusion: A receded NPC was present in the majority of young patients with chronic postconcussion symptoms. Associated with numerous underlying oculomotor dysfunctions, the clinical finding of a receded NPC is not synonymous with the diagnosis of convergence insufficiency. Because treatment options for the various oculomotor dysfunctions differ, it is prudent that these patients undergo a thorough examination of their vergence and accommodative systems so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment prescribed.