The impact of photosensitivity symptoms on quality of life in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A qualitative study

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most severe form of TBI observed, with persistent and debilitating symptoms, such as significant impairment of visual function. Visual deficits have long-lasting and severe effects on motor, social, cognitive, and emotional tasks; and on most other aspects of life through a cascade of indirect effects. Although visual deficits, particularly photosensitivity, are common symptoms inherent in moderate to severe TBI, no standardized subjective or objective test has been developed for diagnosis, quantification, and subsequent treatment. This study aims to understand the subjective impact of photosensitivity on the quality of life of individuals who have had moderate to severe TBI. An exploratory qualitative approach was used to explore the narratives of 8 photosensitive MTBI adults through semi-structured interviews. The impairments included physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects and were related to photosensitivity and awareness of the full impact of their injury. The amalgam of functional status change and its effects, and the mourning of the former identity, resulted in a change in valued roles. These findings document the photosensitivity experienced by individuals who have had a moderate to severe TBI and explore their impacts on their quality of life.