Test and device combination effectively diagnoses concussion symptoms

Concussion diagnoses remain difficult as proper diagnostic devices are short in supply but researchers, in collaboration with Neuro Kenetics, Inc., have developed a new test and device combination to accurately measure concussion symptoms. Findings were published in Wiley Online Library.

Neuro Kinetics, Inc., leaders in clinical eye tracking and neural functional technology, paired with researchers from the Madigan Army Medical Center, San Diego Naval Medical Center, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh to test the effectiveness of the NKI's I-Portal device and OVRT (oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time) tests in diagnosing concussions. This combination aims to prove itself as a tool for the development of personalized treatment plans and to help physicians decide when a patient is able to return to daily life.

"It appears we have found a tool that may both objectively detect concussions and be used to monitor the subacute concussion recovery of those patients,” said co-lead author, Michael Hoffer, M.D., of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The study enrolled 106 participants with a concussion and a control group of 300 participants with no history of a concussion. All participants were evaluated with a OVRT test with the I-Portal device, non-concussion participants were tested once while concussion participants were tested within six days of injury and at one and two weeks. Results showed the tests had a sensitivity rate of 84.9 percent and specificity rate of 97 percent.

"There can be no greater validation or reward for this bold team of engineers and scientists," says Howison Schroeder, CEO of Neuro Kinetics, "than seeing these transformational findings recognized and shared among medical professionals."