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What Is the King-Devick Test?

The King-Devick test is a quick, timed number-reading test that evaluates rapid eye movements, attention, and language processing. It requires a person to read sequences of single-digit numbers as fast and accurately as possible. Slower time or more errors can suggest problems with saccadic eye movements and cognitive processing. The test is commonly used as a screening tool in concussion programs, but it is not a stand-alone medical diagnosis.

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What Is the King-Devick Test?

The King-Devick test is a quick, timed number-reading test that evaluates rapid eye movements, attention, and language processing. It requires a person to read sequences of single-digit numbers as fast and accurately as possible. Slower time or more errors can suggest problems with saccadic eye movements and cognitive processing. The test is commonly used as a screening tool in concussion programs, but it is not a stand-alone medical diagnosis.

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What Does the King-Devick Test Measure?

The test is designed to stress systems that work together during reading and visual tracking.

  • Saccades (quick eye jumps between targets)
  • Attention and working focus under time pressure
  • Language retrieval for rapid naming

Performance is typically scored by total completion time and errors.

How Is the King-Devick Test Done?

A trained administrator provides test cards or a digital version showing rows of numbers.

  1. The person reads the numbers aloud from left to right as quickly as possible.
  2. The administrator records total time and counts mistakes.
  3. Some programs collect a baseline score so later results can be compared after an injury or symptom change.

Testing usually takes only a few minutes, including instructions.

How Is It Used for Concussion Screening?

After a head impact or suspected concussion, a slower score or more errors compared with baseline (or compared with typical performance) can be a red flag.

Many sports programs use it as one part of a broader sideline assessment that may also include symptom checklists, balance testing, and clinical evaluation.

If results worsen, the athlete should be removed from play and evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

What Are the Limitations of the Test?

The King-Devick test is a screening tool and should not be used alone to diagnose concussion or other neurologic disease.

Results can be influenced by vision problems (uncorrected refractive error), fatigue, learning effects, medications, and language differences.

A normal score does not rule out concussion, and abnormal results require clinical context and follow-up.

FAQs on the King-Devick Test

Is the King-Devick test a definitive concussion test?

No. It can help flag possible impairment, but concussion diagnosis requires a clinical assessment that considers symptoms, exam findings, and other tests.

Do you need a baseline score?

A baseline can improve comparison after an injury, but some settings use age- or population-based norms or compare to prior personal results when available.

Can glasses or contact lenses affect results?

Yes. If your vision is not properly corrected, you may read more slowly or make more errors. Wearing your current prescription during testing helps results reflect neurologic function rather than blur.

What should you do if your score suddenly worsens?

If performance suddenly worsens after a hit to the head or alongside new symptoms, stop activity and seek medical evaluation.

Do not return to play or driving until you have been assessed and cleared by an appropriate healthcare professional.

References

The King-Devick Test of Rapid Number Naming for Concussion Detection: Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature. Concussion (Journal). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6114024/. Date Accessed February 2, 2026.

The King-Devick test as a concussion screening tool administered by sports parents. PubMed, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24445547/. Date Accessed February 2, 2026.

The King-Devick test for sideline concussion screening in collegiate football. PubMed, National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25649742/. Date Accessed February 2, 2026.

Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture: Clinical Evaluation Tools. National Academies Press via National Center for Biotechnology Information Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK185340/. Date Accessed February 2, 2026.

King-Devick Test. RehabMeasures Database, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/king-devick-test. Date Accessed February 2, 2026.