The King-Devick test of rapid number naming for concussion detection: meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galetta, Kristin M; Liu, Mengling; Leong, Danielle F; Ventura, Rachel E; Galetta, Steven L; Balcer, Laura J
• Is Part Of: Concussion. Volume 1:Number 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: concussion -- King-Devick test -- meta-analysis -- rapid number naming -- saccades -- sports -- vision; Brain -- Concussion -- Periodicals; 617.481044
• DOI: 10.2217/cnc.15.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-3299

Abstract

Background: Vision encompasses a large component of the brain's pathways, yet is not represented in current sideline testing.Objectives: We performed a meta-analysis of published data for a vision-based test of rapid number naming (King-Devick [K-D] test).Studies & methods: Pooled and meta-analysis of 15 studies estimated preseason baseline K-D scores and sensitivity/specificity for identifying concussed versus nonconcussed control athletes.Result: Baseline K-D (n = 1419) showed a weighted estimate of 43.8 s (95% CI: 40.2, 47.5; I 2 = 0.0%; p=0.85 – indicating very little heterogeneity). Sensitivity was 86% (96/112 concussed athletes had K-D worsening; 95% CI: 78%, 92%); specificity was 90% (181/202 controls had no worsening; 95% CI: 85%, 93%).Conclusion: Rapid number naming adds to sideline assessment and contributes a critical dimension of vision to sports-related concussion testing.