As summer comes to a close, and kids start returning to school and sports, it’s time for them to get their concussion baselines tested.
Baseline testing is a pre-season assessment done by a trained healthcare professional to provide baseline measures that can be compared to post-injury values in the event of a suspected concussion during sport participation. These tests assess an athlete’s strength, reaction time, balance, and healthy brain function (including memory, attention, concentration, cognition, etc.) prior to an injury. During the season, if an athlete has a suspected concussion, the same exam is performed and compared to baseline results. Because symptom resolution is a poor indicator of brain recovery, baseline retesting can assist in injury management and in making more safe and informed decisions regarding returning to school and play.
Baseline testing is usually recommended for athletes over 10 years of age, especially if they participate in a collision or high-speed sport. It should be done each year prior to the start of the season. Get them tested today!
