Evaluation of a Flicker-Free Screen for Patients with Computer Screen Intolerance, a Persisting Concussion Symptom

Patients with persisting concussion symptoms (PCS) frequently have computer screen intolerance (CSI), a syndrome that implies impaired tolerance for electronic screens, including computers, cell phones and television screens. This study included 47 patients with PCS including CSI: 34 (73%) females and 13 (27%) males of median age 39 (31–52) and median number of previous concussions 2.5 (1–4.5). A cross-over, single-blind, randomized approach was used with each patient exposed to the flicker screen first followed by the flicker-free screen or vice versa. The patients completed the SCAT3 symptom questionnaire before and after screen use, and after viewing a short video. No significant differences in symptom number ( p = 0.501) or symptom severity ( p = 0.053) were found after reading between the screens. However, a subanalysis of elicited visual symptoms showed that reading on the flicker-free screen caused significantly lower symptom severity ( p = 0.014). No significant differences were found between screens after total exposure (i.e., reading plus video task). This is the first study to evaluate the use of a flicker-free screen for preventing CSI in patients with PCS and suggest that a flicker-free screen may benefit some patients with CSI.