What Is VOMS Testing and Why It Matters After a Concussion in Kansas City

If you’ve had a concussion and still feel dizzy, nauseous, off balance, or foggy—even weeks later—there’s a good chance your vestibular and ocular systems are involved. Unfortunately, many of these issues are missed in basic evaluations.

That’s where VOMS testing comes in.

What Is VOMS?

VOMS stands for Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening. It’s a quick, evidence-based test designed to detect dysfunction in:

• Eye movement control

• Visual tracking

• Balance and spatial orientation

• The brain’s coordination between the eyes, inner ear, and body

VOMS is especially helpful for detecting subtle brain injuries that don’t show up on CT or MRI scans.

Why Is VOMS Used in Concussion Evaluations?

After a concussion, the brain can struggle to coordinate eye and head movements, leading to symptoms like:

• Dizziness

• Blurry vision

• Headache

• Difficulty focusing

• Feeling "off" in busy environments

• Nausea during movement or screen use

VOMS helps identify these issues early so we can build a customized rehab plan.

What Does the VOMS Test Include?

VOMS testing involves six components, each designed to provoke symptoms in specific areas of the vestibular or ocular systems:

1. Smooth Pursuits

   • Follow a slowly moving target with your eyes only

   • Tests how well your eyes can track motion

2. Saccades (Horizontal & Vertical)

   • Rapidly shift focus between two points

   • Measures speed and control of eye movement

3. Convergence

   • Focus on an object as it moves toward your nose

   • Helps identify convergence insufficiency, common after TBI

4. Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)

   • Move your head side-to-side or up-and-down while focusing on a target

   • Assesses how well your brain stabilizes vision during motion

5. Visual Motion Sensitivity (VMS)

   • Rotate your entire body while focusing on a fixed object

   • Screens for motion sensitivity and balance system issues

During each task, we monitor for:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Eye fatigue

• Fogginess

Increases in symptoms are tracked and scored to help identify problem areas.

What Do Abnormal VOMS Findings Mean?

Abnormal VOMS results may indicate:

• Vestibular dysfunction (balance, inner ear, motion regulation)

• Ocular motor deficits (eye movement control or tracking)

• Autonomic dysregulation (lightheadedness, heart rate issues)

• Post-traumatic vision syndrome

These impairments can delay recovery if left untreated—but they’re highly treatable with the right rehab.

VOMS Testing for Kansas City Concussion Patients

We use VOMS as part of every post-concussion evaluation in our clinic, especially when patients report:

• Persistent dizziness or imbalance

• Difficulty reading or using screens

• Motion sensitivity (in cars, crowds, or stores)

• Pressure behind the eyes or headaches during eye movement

• Brain fog or trouble concentrating

Patients from Blue Springs, Parkville, Grandview, Belton, Gladstone, and The Plaza often report dramatic improvements once vestibular and ocular motor therapy is started.

Early Detection Leads to Better Recovery

⚠️ VOMS should only be performed and interpreted by trained professionals familiar with concussion-related vestibular and visual disorders.

Many post-concussion symptoms are not psychological—they’re neurological. VOMS testing helps uncover the real source of the problem, so we can target your care.

Ready to Get Answers After Your Concussion?

If you're still struggling with dizziness, headaches, or visual discomfort after a concussion, VOMS testing may give you the clarity and direction you need.

Call Dr. Lance Stevenson at 816-226-7476 to schedule your full post-concussion evaluation. We offer advanced testing and personalized treatment for patients throughout the Kansas City metro and surrounding communities.

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