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Study Finds Easy Test For Concussions Can Help Non-medical Volunteers Keep Athletes Safe

By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A study shows that a quick sideline test for concussions can help parents and volunteers keep kids safe.

Researchers found that a simple vision test could quickly diagnose concussion-related problems.

In the King-Devick test an athlete is shown three cards of numbers and reads them as quickly and accurately as possible. The post injury time is compared to a baseline taken previously.

Dr. Kurt Miceli, Medical Director of Bancroft, a neurological rehabilitation facility says it could prevent more injuries.

 

"I've seen numbers one and a half million up to three million concussions a year, tremendous amounts of folks who are undergoing these concussions and the concern is to really have our kids or whoever it is not to suffer a second one."

The study suggested that if needed, parent volunteers or non healthcare professionals could give the test.

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