Principle Attorney
One of the study’s authors said the test can potentially catch a lot of what’s going on with overall cognitive function and how impaired a person may be following a concussion. The test can be given quickly and is not prone to the judgments of the examiner, researchers said.
The test, called “King-Devick,” looks at subtle, constant vibration in the eyes called saccadic movements, which allow the eyes to focus on specific spots. Problems tracking and focusing suggest impaired brain function. Using the test, a person reads rows of single-digit numbers on a page. Some numbers appear in a straight line from left-to-right, while others appear staggered.
The time it takes a person to recite the numbers after a head trauma may indicate whether he or she suffered a concussion. Patients who did not suffer overt brain trauma saw no worsening in their scores, while those who had suffered a concussion took an average of six seconds longer to complete the test. Those who had experienced a concussion along with loss of consciousness had even worse scores.
While this test was preliminary and more research needs to be done, if such a test were to be adopted in personal injury cases, it could give an early warning of traumatic brain injury and allow medical treatment to begin right away. The earlier TBIs are treated, the better the outcome. Any time you have a simple, quick physical exam tool that can help you identify head trauma, it’s a good thing.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Denver car accident and think a traumatic brain injury is involved, give me a call at The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya (303) 758-4777 or email me at DLS@dlslawfirm.com. Let’s talk about your case and how we can help you.
And remember – if we take your case, we don’t get paid until you get paid.