Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens refresh at a rate of 60 times per second, which can be perceived by concussed individuals who have photosensitivity, leading to computer intolerance. A non-LCD computer screen that refreshes at a much lower rate could relieve this photosensitivity and computer screen intolerance in patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Twenty-nine patients with PCS, computer intolerance, and photosensitivity performed a reading task for a maximum of 30 min, with an LCD computer or a non-LCD device, and were given a comprehension test after completion of the reading task. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 was administered before and after each reading task. Symptom scores, amount of time spent reading, and performance on the comprehension tests were compared between the two devices. Patients also completed a self-report questionnaire of their subjective experience. The LCD screen computer produced significantly greater symptom exacerbation (median difference = 5, W = 315, p < 0.01) and a greater number of symptoms (median difference = 1, W = 148, p < 0.01) than the non-LCD screens. The non-LCD screen resulted in a longer symptom-free reading time (median = 48 sec, W = 147, p < 0.01), but not a greater number of words read (median = 281, W = 148, p = 0.098). Females were more likely to have greater symptom exacerbation with the LCD screen (U = 14.0, p < 0.01). No significant difference was found in performance on the comprehension test. Subjective reports showed that the non-LCD experience was more favorable, and most patients stated they would recommend this device for other patients with PCS. This study is the first to show the clinical utility of non-LCD screen computers in the management of photosensitivity and computer screen intolerance in patients with PCS. The non-LCD screen computer has the potential to facilitate return-to-work or return-to-school in concussed individuals.
Keywords: computer screen intolerance; photosensitivity; post-concussion syndrome; traumatic brain injury.