Implementing the horizontal vestibular ocular reflex test while using an eye-tracker as an assessment tool for concussions diagnosis

Abstract

Since ocular impairment is present in up to 90% of concussed patients, investigation of visual processing can be very helpful for concussion diagnosis. The goal was to determine whether eye-tracking measures can be utilized as a means to test horizontal vestibular ocular reflex in patients with concussion symptoms. Twenty-two participants were recruited and assigned to one of two groups: teens with concussion symptoms group and teens without concussion symptoms group. Concussed participants put on an eye-tracker while doing a horizontal vestibular ocular reflex test. While the non-concussed group was more successful in looking and concentrating on the target point, the concussed group had more undeliberate eye shakings. The variance between the fixation points of the target points was significantly greater in the concussed group in comparison with the non-concussed group. Concussed patients demonstrated more longitudinal and latitudinal deviations. In conclusion, the eye-tracking method is a useful tool to measure the severity of eye movement impairment.