Multi-Sensory Processing
Brain-Based Integration
Post-Concussion / Brain Injury
What is Multi-Sensory Training? :
Optometric multi-sensory training, or OMST, is a technique used by qualified developmental/neuro-optometrists to help the brain learn or relearn multi-sensory processing. This 30-day program is designed to aid in the activation and integration of senses to improve daily functioning. OMST can be beneficial for developmental/sensory patients or rehabilitative patients. OMST may be used supplementally before or after in-office vision therapy or other types of therapy to lay a solid foundation or for further integration of skills.
Developmental
How can OMST benefit a patient with developmental delays or sensory processing issues?
OMST is successful at facilitating a child’s self-development of multi-sensory processing once it has become apparent that they have delays in this skill (autism, ADHD, behavioral, etc). Developmental and learning delays are often a result of a child not having optimal multi-sensory processing skills. OMST helps a child learn the subconscious skill of multi-sensory modulation.” Essentially, OMST helps patients make more sense of the world around them.
Rehabilitative
How does OMST benefit a patient who has suffered brain injury?
Concussions/mild traumatic brain injury can cause disruption of the neuropathways that provide multi-sensory processing. Many of the persistent symptoms associated with mTBI are a result of this disruption. OMST helps the concussed patient relearn the subconscious skill of multi-sensory filtering through a repetitive, non-cognitive, safe, and controlled protocol. Concussions often cause symptoms that compromise one’s vestibular and visual systems, and can affect mood, sleep, concentration and attention, and thought processes as well. OMST aids in reestablishing sensory regulation with the end result being enhanced filtering, fine-tuning, and prioritizing of sensory information coming into the brain from the environment.
The Program
OMST is a 30-Day program consisting of 3 Phases:
1) 12 consecutive days of in-office treatment
Patients will come to the clinic for 12 consecutive days for an hour-long session each day. This will specifically target visual, vestibular, and auditory sensory processing. Additional time may be spent on improving visual skills as needed per patient.
2) 18 days of home-based treatment
Patients will take home a light instrument for the remaining 18 days of the program. They will view the light for 20 minutes in the morning upon waking up and 20 minutes before going to bed. During this phase, patients may begin an in-office Vision Therapy program to specifically target visual needs.
3) Follow-Up and Sensory Growth
After finishing the 30-day program, patients will return for a scheduled follow-up. Continued care and recommendations will be made based on patient needs. Please note the program does not stop at this phase as patients may continue to benefit from the effects of the program up to 1 year after completion.
OMST’s effect is spread amongst several sensory systems. This creates opportunity for the stronger systems to support the weaker systems until all reach the balanced status that is expected.
OMST teaches/reteaches the patient the skill of multi-sensory filtering/processing. This allows higher brain function to do its job… THINK and DIRECT APPROPRIATE ACTIONS.
The Benefits
Does It Work?
92% of parents report that OMST was effective for improving their child’s ability in sensory processing.
Research on post-concussion/mild traumatic brain injury patients shows that 96% report improvement within 38 days of OMST. Symptoms decrease by an average of 40-50%.
What observable changes may you see in patients who do OMST?
- Improvements in:
- Memory and organization
- Planning and judgment
- Balance and motor control
- Visual skills (eye teaming & eye tracking)
- Ability to regulate one’s emotions and behaviors
- Ability to handle sensory environments while not feeling overwhelmed = REDUCED ANXIETY
- Quality of sleep
In The News
Dr. Gates article on the amazing impact of OMST.
Who Can Benefit?
OMST has been shown to help individuals with:
At Nebraska Visual Integration Center, we treat patients with visual & other sensory issues to help them improve their daily lives. Multi-sensory training and Vision Therapy can be a powerful treatment to allow the brain to better make sense of the world around.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our Vision Therapy office at (402) 502-0043.