Miramichi Optometry Clinic Offers Concussion Test

Screening test to help make decisions.

Miramichi Optometry, the office of Dr. Greg MacDiarmid, has decided to offer a popular concussion

screening test, to assist coaches and parents to make decisions on when to remove a player from a

sporting event and seek medical attention.

Concussion is hard to recognize and diagnose. Sport-related concussions are a subset of mild traumatic

brain injuries (mTBI), and are a concern for many sporting activities.

Signs and symptoms can include headache, nausea, poor balance, dizziness, double vision, blurred

vision, poor concentration, impaired memory, light or noise sensitivity. They may exhibit sluggish,

foggy or groggy behaviour, appear confused, dazed or stunned. They may be confused about their

assignment, have clumsy movements, answer slowly, exhibit behavior or personality changes, and be

unsure of the score or opponent. They may not recall events before or after the injury.

King-Devick Test (KDT) is a screening tool that rapidly assesses saccadic eye movement while

incorporating attention, concentration and language function to correlate with suboptimal brain

function. The test can be used in the office or on the sideline to determine impairment in eye

movements associated with an acute concussion. The one minute test involves reading single digits

displayed on cards. Any slowing of time to complete the test or any uncorrected errors, compared to an

athlete's baseline is suggestive of concussion. The test can be administered by non-medically trained

individuals, has high levels of test-retest reliability, and is not affected negatively by prolonged

exercise.

The King-Devick Test does not diagnose a concussion. However, when used in conjunction with the

signs and symptoms of a possible concussion, there is a high level of confidence to remove an athlete

from play and seek medical attention. The King-Devick Test has been validated for concussion

screening by researchers, including the Mayo Clinic.

“Having seen a few Timberwolf players, as well as other athletes following suspected head injuries, I

was concerned about how much reliance there is on subjective signs and symptoms. I wanted

something that could more objectively measure player responses and help make an easier and quicker

decision to remove them. There are other tests out there that are more extensive, but this one is so fast

and requires no medical training to administer”, says MacDiarmid. “With so many games taking place

for all ages on weekends, this test allows players to be tested right on the spot, rather than waiting for

regular business hours. Any player who is suspected of having a concussion should have a medical

assessment”.The King-Devick Test requires a baseline to be established before starting the season. Subsequent

testing following head injuries uses the baseline for comparison. Prior to a baseline being established,

the patient will be required to have a complete eye examination to determine any visual deficiencies,

which may have an influence on the test. A new baseline is required annually. The Canadian

Association of Optometrists recommends a regular eye health examination every two years for adults,

annually for children, seniors, and diabetics.

“With two boys involved in contact sports and a wife in Tae Kwon Do, I am acutely aware of the need

for good decision making with head injures. The rule of thumb for suspected concussions is When In

Doubt, Sit Them Out”.

Anyone interested in the test should contact Miramichi Optometry at 627-0250.