A-41 The Use of Virtual Reality for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Virtual Reality (VR) based concussion software has shown potential in diagnosing sports-related concussion (SRC). The purpose of this study was to explore potential symptom provocation when using a VR based diagnostic concussion software among SRC patients. Methods Pediatric SRC patients aged 12-18 and within 72 hours from injury to initial visit were recruited. While wearing the VR device, patients were instructed to fixate gaze on various targets to track eye movements in a gamified manner. The Post-Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) and Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) were administered on a scale of 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Results A total of 21 patients were eligible (Age=14.9±1.7; Female 57.1%; White 61.9%). Patients noted minimal to no symptoms in terms of discomfort (.48±.60), fatigue (.48±.68), headache (1.48±.60), eye strain (.90±.77), inattention (.38±.59), blurred vision (.29±.64), and dizziness (.71±.56) while completing the VR task. Conclusions Compared to other studies using VRSQ among healthy subjects, our sample of acutely injured children with SRC reported minimally provoked symptoms that were below empirically established limits. Specifically, both components of the VRSQ (ocular component MOcu=3.24, SD=1.89; disorientation component MDis=2.59, SD=2.27) ranked below the average limit compared to other studies using VRSQ (MOcu=6.7; MDis=5.8). Future research should gather validity and reliability data to establish the clinical environment in which to diagnose pediatric SRC.