Know your Normal. Protect your Future Performance
What is Baseline Concussion Testing?
Baseline concussion testing is a pre-season exam conducted by a trained health care professional. Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.
Baseline testing should take place during the pre-season (ideally before the first practice) and is best performed in children over 10 years of age. At The Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we provide these testing services to help ensure the health of growing athletes.
What's Included in a Baseline Concussion Test?
Baseline testing should include tests that assess an athlete’s ability to balance, pay attention or concentrate, learning and memory skills, problem solving and eye function. At MHCG, we use the following tests:
How is this information used in a suspected concussion?
Results from baseline testing can be used if an athlete has a suspected concussion. Comparing post-injury results to baseline test results may assist health care professionals in identifying the effects of the injury and making more informed return to school and play decisions.
Relying on symptoms to determine recovery is not recommended. If you have had a concussion and are showing no more symptoms, this does not mean you have fully recovered.
Post-injury testing helps indicate that you’re functionally recovered so that you’re more confident returning to sport.
