Simple Test To Judge If Athletes Sustained A Concussion

Over the years, student-athletes have come to my office with similar complaints about "not feeling like themselves."  They felt like they were in a fog at times, dealing with mood swings more pronounced than in the past, and/or their sports and academic performance was less consistent.  As a Therapeutic Learning Specialist and Applied Performance Counselor, I help students and athletes understand why they are experiencing certain mental challenges and determine ways to adjust. 

These athletes, however, had one thing in common. They all experienced multiple head contact during play over the last few years that had concussion-like symptoms.  They all returned to play immediately or soon after each incident in sports that have high probabilities of head contact.  

One problem coaches, athletic trainers, and parents experience in helping athletes is the availability of a simple test to determine whether athletes have sustained a concussion in order to manage care.  Well, there may be such a test now available.

According to a study released February 15 that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto April 10 to April 17, 2010, a simple test of reaction time may help determine whether athletes have sustained a concussion (also known as mild traumatic brain injury) and when they are ready to play again.

"Research has shown that reaction time is slower after a concussion -- even as long as several days after other symptoms are gone," said study author James T. Eckner, MD, of the University of Michigan Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Ann Arbor. "But the tests currently used to measure reaction time require computers and special software."

Eckner and his colleagues developed a simple, inexpensive device to measure reaction time: a cylinder attached to a weighted disk. The examiner releases the device and the athlete catches it as soon as possible.

For the study, the researchers gave the test to 209 Division I college football, wrestling and women's soccer athletes during their preseason physicals. Then any athlete who had a concussion diagnosed by a physician during the season took the test again within three days of the concussion.

Eight athletes had concussions during the study. Of those, seven of the athletes had a prolonged reaction time after the concussion compared to the preseason time. Catching the object took about 15 percent longer.

"Because of its simplicity and low cost, this test may work well with youth athletes, where there is limited access to computerized testing of reaction time," Eckner said.

Study description reprinted from: Science Daily