Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have helped develop a new test that can detect a concussion in a matter of minutes. The new test analyzes eye movement in order to detect brain injury. The new exam can be completed in two minutes and the new test can be used by sports trainers or other medical professionals on the sidelines of sporting event. Researchers say the test should not replace in-depth analysis of whether a concussion or another personal injury occurred.
The new concussion test called the "King-Devick" test focuses on the saccadic movements of a person's eyes to diagnose a concussion. Saccadic movements are very small but constant eye movements that occur when people focus and track objects. According to one author of a study that looked at the effectiveness of the new exam says that test relies on eye movement because 50 percent of brain pathways are used for vision. Researchers say that a problem with an individual's ability to track and focus means an injury involving brain pathways has occurred.
A person takes the King-Devick test by reading rows of single digit numbers laid out on a page. Numbers are partly organized left to right and others are staggered across the page. An individual is asked to read the numbers after possible head trauma has occurred and the time it takes to recite the numbers may offer insight into whether or not the individual has experienced a concussion. The test results are compared to a baseline reading administered before any possible injury has occurred.
The new exam has been put to the test by two different studies. Researchers found that individuals who experienced a concussion took six seconds longer to read the number page when compared to their baseline reading. Individuals who did not suffer any brain trauma scored the same as their baseline exam. While researchers are excited about the quick diagnostic ability of the King-Devick test, they say the exam should be used in conjunction with further testing and advice from medical professionals.
Source: CNN, "Vision test offers rare, early glimpse of concussion," Stephanie Smith, 2/2/11