Parents and medical professionals in Germany now have a new tool to assist assess potential concussions in children: the KEKS test. Developed by experts at LMU Klinikum Munich and the ZNS-Stiftung – Hilfe für Menschen mit Schädelhirntrauma (Help for People with Traumatic Brain Injury), the test provides a simple framework for identifying symptoms following a head injury.
The KEKS test, an acronym, breaks down potential concussion indicators into four key areas. “K” stands for “Kopf,” or head, encompassing symptoms like headache, dizziness, and nausea. “E” represents “Empfindlichkeit,” meaning sensitivity, and includes signs such as irritability, bad mood, and heightened sensitivity to light, and sound. The second “K” focuses on “Konzentration,” or concentration, flagging forgetfulness, a feeling of being dazed, and general difficulty concentrating. Finally, “S” denotes “Schlaf,” or sleep, with indicators including unusual fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns.
According to the ZNS-Stiftung, the test was designed specifically to help children in preschool and elementary school understand and communicate potential concussion symptoms. A short film featuring Esther Brandt, a children’s ambassador for the ZNS-Stiftung, and Dr. Keks explains the key symptoms to children. The test is also available in versions for adults and in simplified language.
Experts emphasize that the presence of one or more of these symptoms after a head injury warrants prompt medical evaluation. The LMU Klinikum Munich and ZNS-Stiftung highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment following a suspected concussion. The organizations have also created a DIN A6 postcard version of the test for easy distribution and reference.
The development of the KEKS test comes as awareness of concussions, particularly in sports and childhood injuries, continues to grow. The ZNS-Stiftung’s work focuses on helping individuals with traumatic brain injury, and the Concussion Clinic at LMU-Klinikum Munich provides specialized care and research in this area. Further information and materials related to the KEKS test are available through the ZNS-Stiftung.
