When Should You Get Baseline Concussion Testing?

Baseline information can help detect lingering deficits and brain recovery levels to make safer return-to-sport decisions. 

High-risk athletes must undergo baseline testing before the start of a season to provide a pre-injury overview of healthy brain function. 

The ideal time to get tested is:

Preseason: Athletes should get baseline testing at the beginning of the season before engaging in any physical activity. This will provide a comparison point in the event of a head injury.

Before high-risk activity: Athletes in sports such as boxing, football, or soccer should undergo baseline testing before starting the activity.

After recovery from a previous concussion: Athletes who have previously suffered a concussion should undergo baseline testing before returning to play.

What To Expect During A Baseline Concussion Test 

Baseline concussion testing is an essential step towards ensuring safer return-to-play decisions for athletes. Take yours now – 

Registration and Consent: Before the test, you will be required to register and provide your informed consent. This typically involves providing some basic information about yourself, your medical history, and any previous concussions or head injuries.

Pre-Test Assessment: Before the actual testing begins, we will perform a pre-test assessment to establish a baseline of your physical and cognitive health. This assessment may include basic physical examinations, such as balance and coordination tests, as well as cognitive assessments, such as memory and attention tests.

Multimodal Testing: The actual baseline concussion testing will consist of a series of multimodal tests designed to evaluate various areas of brain function. These tests include memory and attention tests, balance and coordination tests, visual processing tests, reaction time tests, and neurocognitive testing.

Post-Test Assessment: Once the testing is complete, we will perform a post-test assessment to evaluate your overall performance and identify any potential areas of concern. This assessment involves a review of your test results and a discussion about any lingering symptoms or concerns.

Follow-Up Care: Depending on the results of your baseline concussion test, we may recommend follow-up care, such as further testing or treatment, to address any areas of concern.

Overall, the baseline concussion testing process is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of your brain function and help healthcare practitioners make safer return-to-play decisions.

How to Save Yourself from a Concussion

• Wear appropriate protective gear: When participating in contact sports or other activities that carry a risk of head injury, it’s important to wear appropriate protective gear such as helmets or headguards.
• Follow safety guidelines: Be sure to follow any safety guidelines or rules for the activity or sport you are participating in. For example, always use proper technique when tackling in football or rugby.
• Take breaks: If you participate in activities that require repetitive head movements, such as heading a soccer ball, be sure to take breaks to reduce the risk of injury.
• Make your environment safer: In the home, be sure to secure loose rugs or other tripping hazards that could lead to falls. In the car, always wear a seatbelt and make sure children are properly secured in appropriate car seats or booster seats.
• Avoid risky behaviors: Certain behaviors, such as drinking and driving or engaging in high-risk activities without appropriate safety measures, can increase the risk of head injury.

By taking appropriate precautions and following safety guidelines, many head injuries can be prevented or minimized. If you do suffer from a concussion it is important to seek out a trained healthcare provider as soon as possible.