IndyCar has added an eye-tracking computer test as a requirement to its concussion evaluation protocol.
The I-PAS system was brought to the series attention after a 2016 misdiagnosis on driver Will Power. He had hit the wall during a practice session for the season-opening race and as the weekend progressed, Power displayed concussion-like symptoms.
Power was not cleared to race.
He was then sent to Dr. Steve Olvey, IndyCar's former medical director, at the University of Miami's concussion program. Olvey used the I-PAS test on Power and determined the driver actually had an inner ear infection.
IndyCar tested I-PAS in 2017 on drivers who had been in accidents that led to concussion-like symptoms. The test is now required in the drivers' preseason physical.
I-PAS was created by Pittsburgh-based Neuro Kinetics, Inc., and is commonly referred to as the "goggles test." It's a portable system and resembles a virtual reality headset. It is at all IndyCar events.
The test integrates clinical eye tracking with a digital display, and medical professionals run a series of 14 tests to determine if a driver has a concussion.
A new test to determine if drivers have suffered a concussion is now required at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The eye tracking computer test adds to INDYCAR's concussion evaluation protocol says INDYCAR medical director Geoffrey Billows.
"A little more accuracy and sensitivity to our evaluation and to help us perhaps diagnose concussions that may have a more subtle presentation," says Billows.
The so-called "goggle test" was recently approved by the FDA.
Billows says thanks to other advancements, racecar drivers are actually well-protected from concussions.
"With all the safety improvements that have been made to helmet design, personal protective gear design, the car design, the track design, fortunately we see very few concussions," says Billows.
The testing could be a useful tool for other sports players who may be susceptible to concussions.
