Devices & Diagnostics, Hospitals

Mayo Clinic to jointly operate concussion test with King-Devick

In an effort to highlight the importance of screening for concussions among professional and student […]

In an effort to highlight the importance of screening for concussions among professional and student athletes, the Mayo Clinic is partnering with King-Devick Test, Inc to use its sideline test that can be used by parents, coaches and medical personal alike.

The partnership means the test will now formally be known as the King-Devick Test in Association with Mayo Clinic, giving it further prestige and main-stream recognition. Under the agreement, Mayo Clinic said it will provide ongoing medical consultation in future development of the test.

Research has shown the test to be particularly effective in monitoring eye movements, speech, language and concentration, all key indicators that can be impaired as a result of a concussion.  It’s also shown promise in other areas beyond concussions, including MS, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, hypoxia, extreme sleep deprivation and reading fluency, giving May Clinic another tool to address those areas.

For concussions, more than 20 studies showing the effectiveness of the test as a quick, objective and accurate “remove from play” sideline test have been presented or published in elite scientific journals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 1.6 and 3.8 million students have concussions every year.

The test requires an athlete to read single-digit numbers displayed on cards or tablet computer. After suspected head trauma, the athlete is given the an approximately two-minute test, and the results are compared to a baseline test administered previously. If the time needed to complete the test takes longer than the baseline test time, or if the subject shows any other symptoms of a concussion, the athlete should be removed from play until evaluated by a medical professional.

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