Traumatic brain injury (TBI), both severe and mild, are common for military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The lingering effects of TBI can continue for months or years, especially with regard to headaches, migraines and light sensitivity. These issues can be debilitating and frustrating, especially when they are unresponsive to standard courses of treatment. This can make a return to full functionality in both work and at home impossible, leaving these service men and woman with little options for a successful future. “Headache is one of the most common complaints in patients with traumatic brain injury” (Lew et al., 2006). Even mild traumatic brain injury (i.e., concussion) can cause lingering problems, including headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability and memory issues (Hoge et al., 2008). Irlen Spectral Filters have been able to address these lingering effects of TBI and concussion. A study presented at the International Brain Injury Association’s World Congress on Brain Injury in 2014 investigated the effects of Irlen Spectral Filters on 178 of servicemen and woman with TBI. In this study, Irlen Spectral Filters showed dramatic and immediate improvements of headaches, migraines, and light sensitivity, as well as improvement in a variety of other areas, including reading, night driving, eye-strain, and dizziness.
The Irlen Syndrome Foundation is working to help ensure that current and retired military personnel have access to Irlen technology to address persistent headaches, migraines, and light sensitivity after TBI and concussion. Our military committee works to raise awareness of this viable technology within the military community, and is working to make it available through military and veterans medical systems. The Foundation funds diagnostic testing and Irlen Spectral Filters for qualified members of the armed forces and veterans. Ret. Colonel Bart Billings, PhD has joined the Foundation as an Advisor, assisting ISF in its efforts to provide Syndrome outreach to military and veteran populations. A former military psychologist, Dr. Billings founded and directs the International Military and Civilian Combat Stress Conference, and was the recipient of the 2014 Human Rights Award by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.