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A simple eye test done on the sidelines detects concussions in student athletes, according to researchers from the NYU Langone Concussion Center. The eye test takes less than two minutes to do and people without medical training can administer it, reports research published in the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology. The King–Devick (K–D) test is effective on children as young as 5 years old, states information published on March 5.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. A concussion causes a temporary loss of brain function. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that concussions can affect “memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination.” In addition, some people lose consciousness when they sustain a concussion, but a concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness.
Although a first concussion may not cause permanent brain damage if a second concussion follows closely it can cause permanent disability or death. “Given that concussions may cause devastating short and long-term cognitive effects, tools like vision testing that can objectively diagnose a concussion are critical,” says Laura Balcer, MD, co-author of the study.
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The rate of concussions among young athletes rose dramatically between 2005 and 2012. During that 7-year period, the number of concussions more than doubled, according to a study by Ohio State University.
Researchers examined concussion statistics in nine sports including boys' football, boys' and girls' soccer, girls' volleyball, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' wrestling, boys' baseball and girls' softball. Rates of concussions in football, boys' basketball, boys' wrestling, boys' baseball and girls' softball increased significantly in comparison to the other sports. Of all the sports, football had the most concussions.
During the K-D test, athletes are timed as they read numbers from papers or an iPad. Then, this time is compared with an earlier baseline test. A time greater than an athlete's baseline suggests that a concussion occurred,
More information on concussions is available on Heads UP, which is published online by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has resources on concussions for parents, coaches and educators including:- concussion training
- graphics and infographics
- customizable materials
- Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
- podcasts
- videos
- survivor stories
Sources:
This article was initially published by me in Examiner.com.
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