IC12: The Multi-sensory Approach to Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Brain Recovery—the Eyes Have It! 2510

Sunday, October 26, 2025

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: ROOM: Waldorf Room >>> DIRECTIONS: Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Waldorf is the first room on your left.

Presenter(s)

DeAnn M. Fitzgerald, OD

Owner
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
Cedar Rapids, IA, United States

Corresponding Presenter(s)

Gina Kim, MOT,OTR/L,CBIS, CSRS (she/her/hers)

Senior Occupational Therapist
Pacific Neuroscience Institute Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
Santa Monica, CA, United States

Slides Slides

The Multi-Sensory Approach to Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Brain Recovery—The Eyes Have It!
This session highlights the critical role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and sensorimotor integration in promoting neuroplasticity after brain injury. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary, multi-sensory approach, presenters will explore practical applications of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive interventions—including eye movement therapy, prisms, binasal occlusion, red light therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and PEMF. Attendees will gain insights into how regulating the ANS can enhance cognitive and motor outcomes in patients with TBI, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions. The session includes case studies illustrating functional gains through vision-based and multi-modal therapies, and provides tools for integrating these approaches into clinical practice. Referral workflows and collaborative strategies between neuro-optometry and allied health will be outlined to support improved outcomes and continuity of care.
Learning Objectives:
Understand ANS and Neuroplasticity – Explain how autonomic function impacts sensorimotor integration and brain recovery.
Apply Multi-Sensory Therapies – Use vision, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs with interventions like prisms, binasal occlusion, PEMF, and red light therapy to enhance function.
Integrate Interdisciplinary Care – Develop referral workflows and apply multi-modal strategies to improve outcomes for TBI, stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions.