TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2017//
TI  - Feasibility and accuracy of teleconcussion for acute evaluation of suspected concussion
JO  - Neurology
A1  - Vargas, Bert B.
A1  - Shepard, Morgan
A1  - Hentz, Joseph G.
A1  - Kutyreff, Cherisse
A1  - Hershey, L. George
A1  - Starling, Amaal J.
SP  - 1580
EP  - 1583
VL  - 88
IS  - 16
N2  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of telemedical concussion evaluations (teleconcussion) for real-time athletic sideline assessment of concussion, as such assessment may address the gap in access some populations of athletes have to providers with expertise in concussion evaluation. <br><br>METHODS: A cohort of 11 consecutive male collegiate football players with suspected concussion was assessed using Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), King-Devick test (K-D), and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). A remote neurologist assessed each athlete using a telemedicine robot with real-time, 2-way audiovisual capabilities, while a sideline provider performed a simultaneous face-to-face assessment. After the assessment, a remove-from-play (RFP) determination was made. The remote and the face-to-face providers were blinded to each other's examination findings and RFP decision until the end of the assessment. <br><br>RESULTS: The teleconcussion and face-to-face SAC were in agreement 100% of the time (6/6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 54%-100%). The mean (SD) difference between remote and sideline K-D times was 0.7 (1.4) seconds. Remote and sideline K-D times were within a 3-second difference 100% of the time (11/11; 95% CI 72%-100%). Remote and sideline mBESS scores were within 3 points 100% of the time (6/6; 95% CI 54%-100%). RFP decisions were in agreement 100% of the time (11/11; 95% CI 72%-100%). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of teleconcussion for sideline concussion assessments. These data suggest a high level of agreement between remote and face-to-face providers with regard to examination findings and RFP determinations.<br><br>© 2017 American Academy of Neurology.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0028-3878
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000003841
ID  - ref1
ER  -