Objective Concussion Assessment After a Motor Vehicle Accident
The Problem With Standard Exams
Concussion diagnosis relies primarily on clinical history and symptom presentation. What standard exams cannot do is quantify the dysfunction. RightEye computerized vision tracking objectively screens for and quantifies the visual-vestibular deficits associated with traumatic brain injury. The output is a report with numbers, not a clinical impression.
RightEye Technology
RightEye is an FDA-cleared computerized eye-tracking system that records and measures eye movements, including smooth pursuit, saccades, fixation stability, and reaction time. Results are compared with age-matched normative data. Changes in these measures are associated with concussion and with some neck and vestibular conditions, so RightEye is used as a screening and monitoring tool rather than to diagnose concussion on its own. Findings are interpreted together with the clinical examination and other testing, with referral to neurology, neuro-optometry, or vestibular therapy when indicated. Repeat testing tracks change over time. RightEye testing is available at both the Providence and Cranston offices.
BTrackS Balance Assessment
FDA-registered force plate balance testing system. Measures postural stability and vestibular function. Abnormal results may reflect vestibular, visual, sensory, or musculoskeletal factors and should be interpreted alongside the clinical exam. Produces objective, quantified balance data for clinical records and attorney documentation.
ImPACT Computerized Neurocognitive Testing
ImPACT Testing
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ImPACT is a widely used, validated computerized neurocognitive test in concussion care, administered at Cityside by an ImPACT Certified Provider. It measures verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, and reaction time, and compares results with age-matched normative data. ImPACT may detect cognitive changes that symptom checklists alone do not capture. Because most motor vehicle collision patients have no pre-injury baseline, results are compared with normative data at the first visit, and repeat testing tracks change over time. ImPACT is a screening and monitoring tool. It does not diagnose concussion on its own, and results are interpreted together with the clinical examination, with referral to neurology when indicated.
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CNS Vital Signs Neurocognitive Testing
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CNS Vital Signs is a computerized neurocognitive assessment that measures memory, attention, processing speed, reaction time, and executive function, and compares results with age-matched normative data. At Cityside, the choice between ImPACT and CNS Vital Signs depends on the patient's age and the clinical question. ImPACT is generally used for concussion assessment and recovery tracking within its normed age range. CNS Vital Signs is used when a broader cognitive assessment is needed or when the patient falls outside ImPACT's normative range. A patient is followed with the same test throughout care, so results can be compared reliably over time. Like ImPACT, CNS Vital Signs is a screening and monitoring tool. It does not diagnose concussion on its own, and results are interpreted together with the clinical examination, with referral to neurology or neuropsychology when indicated.
RPQ — Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire
Validated outcome measure for post-concussion symptom severity. Scores from 0 to 64. Provides documented symptom baseline and tracks recovery over time. Incorporated into clinical records and narrative reports.