A Test for Identifying Head Trauma in Athletes

The King-Devick test shows promise as a quick screening tool for head trauma and concussions in boxers and mixed martial arts fighters.

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by sports-related concussion often improves within a few weeks or months, a substantial number of cases result in chronic brain damage and related chronic disability; some patients experience progressive disease. Concussion occurs not just in professional athletes, but also in younger, school-age players of contact sports, in whom the effect of the impact can be even greater (J Athl Train 2009; 44:342). Whatever the athletic venue, rapid screening for early signs of concussion and TBI is needed.

Toward that end, researchers tested the value of the King-Devick (K-D) test, which measures the speed of rapid number naming and assesses impairment of eye movements, attention, and language. The t…

Reviewing Author

Jaime Toro, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

Jaime Toro, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders