Concussion 2016; 1(2)

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

Authors: Galetta KM, Liu M, Leong DF, Ventura RE, Galetta SL, Balcer LJ
Publication: Concussion 2016; 1(2)
Date: September 10, 2015
Tags: Meta-Analysis,Youth Athletes,

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 non-concussed control athletes.

Result: Baseline K-D (n = 1419) showed a weighted estimate of 43.8 s (95% CI: 40.2, 47.5; I2 = 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.

Summary Points:

  • There is a concussion epidemic among athletes, and this extends to military personnel and other population groups.
  • Given the widespread distribution of the visual pathways throughout the brain, a sideline test incorporating vision may aid in the diagnosis of concussion.
  • The King-Devick (K-D) test, a rapid vision-based performance measure of rapid number naming, has been examined in a range of athletes at different ages and may be useful in the identification of concussion.
  • Any worsening of baseline K-D test time at the time of an injury indicates a 5x greater risk of concussion.
  • The K-D test was found to be reliable when administered by both trained personnel and laypersons.
  • The K-D test was found to be both sensitive (86%) and specific (90%) for the detection of concussion.
  • The use of K-D along with the SAC and BESS has been shown to detect 100% of clinically diagnosed concussions in this meta-analysis.
  • The addition of a vision-specific concussion test to currently recommended concussion screening tools may expand the ability to detect concussion.
  • Baseline K-D times have been shown to be improved (decrease) with increasing age among youth athletes.
  • Baseline K-D tests should be performed at least seasonally.
  • Noise has not been shown to significantly impact K-D times.
  • Fatigue or competition alone does not to impact K-D times; in fact, time scores often improve after vigorous exercise.
  • The K-D test is a rapid, reliable, sensitive and specific test for concussion. Any worsening in time from a baseline K-D score is indicative of a concussion. The K-D test has the potential to screen for unwitnessed, or sub-concussive neurologic impairment as the result of injury from impulsive forces.
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