Sideline Test Detects Concussions
FEBRUARY 8, 2011
While attention to head injury in football grows, the medical community is helping to make the sport as safe as possible, reports the Daily Pennsylvanian. Researchers at the Penn Medicine released a study last week which details a short "sideline" test that can accurately detect concussions in athletes. The test measures eye movement, language skills and attention, all of which are affected after a concussive hit. "This rapid screening test provides an effective way to detect early signs of concussion, which can improve outcomes and hopefully prevent repetitive concussions," Laura Balcer, MD, MSCE, professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology and Epidemiology and the study's senior author. "This test is only one test on the sidelines, though," she added, "and the diagnosis of concussion requires a combination of tests and input of medical professionals." Coverage of this story also appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, UPI.com, Medill News Service, FoxNews.com, Los Angeles Times, WebMD.com, NBC10 and USA Today.
