Concussion Baseline Testing

A concussion is defined by the CDC as a “bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth”. The CDC estimates as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the U.S. annually through sports and recreational activities. However, only a few of these concussions are recognized by athletes, coaches, parents, and ultimately are treated by medical professionals.

A concussion may or may not involve loss of consciousness. Most concussions resolve in 2 weeks or less, but evidence suggests that prolonged recovery time varies for 10-20% of concussion cases. A history of a concussion, female sex, younger age, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), history of migraine, and genetics may all be associated with prolonged recovery from a concussion.

To help lower concussion risk, always wear the appropriate protective gear for your activity. Proper fitting helmets and other protective equipment are important safety measures. These items cannot eliminate the risk of concussion but can better protect individuals from skull fractures, as well as face, eye, and teeth injuries.

One of the most critical tools to improve concussion management is to educate individuals to be able to recognize the symptoms, and then for the injured person to be properly evaluated for a concussion. Proper management is the ultimate goal to reduce the length of time and recovery from a concussion. 

Over the years more attention has gone into exploring and researching concussion pathophysiology and management. In particular, is the promising research in the performance of concussion baseline testing for improved concussion recovery.

BASELINE CONCUSSION TESTING 

Baseline concussion testing is a method that measures an athlete or individual in the preseason to create an individual ‘norm.’ It is recommended these baseline tests be conducted by a trained healthcare professional. This cluster of tests helps measure brain function through multiple aspects of neurocognitive functioning; including memory, brain processing speed, reaction time and post-concussion symptoms. Some tests will also measure balance control when relying on visual, somatosensory and vestibular demand. Results from a baseline test then can be compared to a similar exam conducted by a healthcare professional following a concussion and be used as a guide to help safely return the individual to sport, school, and work activities.