Screening for lifetime concussion in athletes: Importance of oculomotor measures

Abstract

The study provides a relatively sensitive screening tool to assess the probability of previous concussion(s) in an athlete. This model may allow athletic personnel to address in a timely manner the risks associated with repeat concussions and to develop individualized concussion management protocols.

Oculomotor-Based Vision Assessment in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

“…Accommodation was addressed in 5 studies. 32,33,35,36,44 Deficits in accommodation were found in all studies. For example, Green et al 35 found a range of deficits in static and dynamic accommodation in individuals with mTBI using specific optometric tests conducted by an optometrist.…”

“…46,47 Study designs were largely exploratory or preliminary (pilot) and were appraised at class III (N = 9) * or class IV (N = 11). [31][32][33]35,36,38,40,[42][43][44][45] The majority of designs were case-control (N = 12), 14,29,30,[33][34][35][36][37][38][39]46,47 caseseries (N = 3), 40,41,44 prospective cohort design (N = 4), 31,42,43,45 and retrospective chart review (N = 1). 32 Oculomotor-based vision was measured by eye tracker technology (N = 8), 22,[29][30][31]34,38,46,47 comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist (N = 6), 32,33,35,36,39,44 the King-Devick test (N = 5), [40][41][42][43]45 electro-oculography (N = 1), ...…”

“…32,33,36,39,44 Significant deficits in near point of convergence (ie, receded near point of convergence) were found in individuals with mTBI in all studies that investigated this parameter. 32,33,36,39,44 All studies measured convergence via optometrist assessment. With the exception of a Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.…”

“…[40][41][42][43]45 Six studies examined saccadic eye movements prospectively in relation to concussion in collegiate, amateur, and professional sports. [40][41][42][43][44][45] Study designs were case-control studies using eye tracking technology protocols, 14,29,30,33,37,38 and as part of comprehensive oculomotor examinations conducted by optometrists. 33 One study was a retrospective chart review.…”

“…32,33,36,39,44 Related to vergence is accommodation, in which the pupil constricts or dilates to allow focus. Accommodation was addressed in 5 studies.…”