Study Finds Easy Test For Concussions Can Help Non-medical Volunteers Keep Athletes Safe
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A study shows that a quick sideline test for concussions can help parents and volunteers keep kids safe.
Researchers found that a simple vision test could quickly diagnose concussion-related problems.
In the King-Devick test an athlete is shown three cards of numbers and reads them as quickly and accurately as possible. The post injury time is compared to a baseline taken previously.
Dr. Kurt Miceli, Medical Director of Bancroft, a neurological rehabilitation facility says it could prevent more injuries.
"I've seen numbers one and a half million up to three million concussions a year, tremendous amounts of folks who are undergoing these concussions and the concern is to really have our kids or whoever it is not to suffer a second one."
The study suggested that if needed, parent volunteers or non healthcare professionals could give the test.
