Citation

Dretsch MN, Fauth J, Moya MM, Connaboy C, Kontos A. Brain Inj. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2019.1658226

PMID

31454275

Abstract

Primary Objective: To assess a rapid concussion screening tool in Service members participating in combatives (mixed martial arts; MMA) training school. Research Design: This prospective study included baseline and either post-training or post-injury assessments. Methods and Procedures: Baseline (N = 152) and post-assessments (n = 129) of Service members included symptom reporting and the King-Devick (KD) oculomotor test. Outcomes and Results: Headache, balance problems, and dizziness were the most severe concussive symptoms. KD scores for those who sustained a concussion (n = 31) were significantly worse compared to baseline, but not for participants who finished the course with no concussion (n = 98). For concussed, 74.2% had scores that were worse from baseline (slower) compared to 39.8% of the post-training group. KD scores were worse 34.4% more in individuals who sustained a concussion compared to those who did not. However, there was poor discriminant ability of the KD test (AUC = .60, sensitivity/specificity) to distinguish between concussed and non-concussed participants. Conclusions: The KD test should not be used in isolation as a sideline or field concussion assessment during training scenarios. Rather, it has potential utility for evaluating individual cases to supplement decision making when an established baseline is available.

Language: en

Keywords

Concussion; King-Devick; MMA; mild traumatic brain injury; oculomotor