Latinos en Optometry is drawing attention to the role of communication in identifying traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Hispanic and Latino communities as part of its Cultural Responsiveness blog series that focuses on improving culturally mindful care.
According to a press release from the organization, TBI remains a significant public health concern in the United States: It accounts for more than 214,000 hospitalizations and over 69,000 deaths annually. However, many cases are managed outside hospital settings or go unreported, which complicates efforts to identify and address long-term effects.
Visual and neurological symptoms are common following head injury—in approximately 60% to 70% of individuals with TBI—the press release noted, but patients may not always recognize their headaches, dizziness, photophobia, or reading difficulties as related to prior trauma especially when they persist well after the initial injury. Latinos en Optometry noted in the press release that Hispanic individuals with TBI may report more persistent symptoms and lower levels of functional independence compared with non-Hispanic White patients.
However, the organization added, these challenges may be amplified in Hispanic communities due to barriers such as access to care, health literacy, and communication differences. According to Pew Research Center data, about 73% of Hispanics in the United States speak a language other than English at home, and roughly one-third report limited English proficiency. Evidence also shows that language-concordant care improves patient trust, understanding, and adherence to treatment recommendations.
In the press release, DeAnn Fitzgerald, OD, immediate past president of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, emphasized the importance of asking about past concussions or falls and carefully listening to how patients and their families describe changes in function. Indeed, Latinos en Optometry added, family members may provide additional context regarding symptom onset, behavioral changes, or functional decline that can provide a more complete clinical picture during primary care visits.
Optometrists are often among the health care providers patients see most regularly and are therefore positioned to play a role in identifying potential TBI cases. Incorporating targeted history-taking and culturally responsive communication strategies may help identify symptoms that might otherwise remain unrecognized.
When appropriate, referral to specialists in neuro-optometric rehabilitation may be indicated. The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association supports interdisciplinary approaches to managing vision disorders associated with acquired brain injury and related neurological conditions.
The May blog installment of Latinos en Optometry’s ongoing Cultural Responsiveness series can be found here. OM