Occipital Lobe Injury

Overview

The occipital lobe is the part of the brain responsible for processing visual information. Injury to this area—often caused by trauma, stroke, or surgery—can lead to partial or total vision loss, visual hallucinations, or problems with spatial awareness.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from brain injuries, including those involving the occipital lobe. Our multidisciplinary team works to improve functional independence, support adjustment, and promote long-term recovery.

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What Is an Occipital Lobe Injury?

Occipital lobe injuries affect the back portion of the brain, where visual information from the eyes is processed and interpreted. Although the eyes may remain physically healthy, damage to this area can lead to significant disruption in how a person sees and makes sense of the world.

Common causes include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Stroke, particularly in the posterior cerebral artery territory
• Brain tumours or surgery involving the posterior brain
• Hypoxic injury (lack of oxygen to the brain)
• Infections such as encephalitis

Injuries can affect one or both sides of the occipital lobe, with varying effects depending on the severity and location.

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Symptoms of Occipital Lobe Injury

Symptoms can be sudden or gradual and may vary from mild to severe. They typically include:

Visual Impairments

• Loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Blind spots (scotomas) or partial visual field loss
• Difficulty recognising objects, faces, or colours
• Blurred or double vision
• Visual hallucinations or illusions
• Difficulty with depth perception or tracking movement

Cognitive and Perceptual Challenges

• Problems interpreting visual information
• Disorientation in unfamiliar spaces
• Trouble reading or following text
• Visual agnosia (inability to recognise familiar objects)

Other Associated Symptoms

• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Light sensitivity
• Emotional distress related to vision loss

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, visual testing, and imaging. Investigations may include:

• MRI or CT scan to identify damage to the occipital region
• Visual field tests (perimetry)
• Ophthalmology review to rule out eye-based causes
• Neuropsychological assessment to identify cognitive or perceptual difficulties

Many patients with occipital lobe damage retain intact eye health but require neurorehabilitation to adapt to processing deficits.

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Rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We offer consultant-led, inpatient neurorehabilitation tailored to the individual’s needs, with a focus on regaining independence, compensating for vision loss, and managing emotional wellbeing.

Our multidisciplinary support includes:

Occupational Therapy

• Visual scanning and tracking training
• Home safety and environmental adaptations
• Task simplification and compensatory strategies
• Support for reading, navigation and activities of daily living

Physiotherapy

• Balance and mobility training
• Falls prevention strategies
• Postural control and vestibular support
• Visual-motor coordination

Neuropsychology

• Emotional support and coping strategies
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Support for adjustment to visual loss
• Family education

Speech and Language Therapy (if required)

• Reading or written language adaptation
• Support for visual processing related to communication

Specialist Nursing

• Medication support
• Daily care and nutrition
• Vision-related health monitoring

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Who We Help

We accept adults (18+) who:

• Have experienced a stroke, trauma, or surgical injury to the occipital lobe
• Are medically stable but need functional or cognitive rehabilitation
• Experience vision loss, visual processing issues or disorientation
• May also have co-existing conditions such as post-traumatic epilepsy or balance impairment

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to discuss your case with our admissions team.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Expertise in complex brain injury and stroke rehabilitation
• Consultant-led inpatient neurorehab service
• Therapy delivered up to 7 days per week
• On-site psychology, OT, physio and speech therapy
• Family involvement and discharge planning included