Get a "Head" Start
Concussion baseline testing before getting back to sports
As back to school season “kicks off”, so do many sports like hockey, soccer, football, and more! While preparing yourself or your kids for the new season, it’s important to consider safety - especially when it comes to protecting your brain.
Concussions are a risk in many sports, but identifying them can be challenging without a baseline for comparison. Concussion baseline testing involves proactively completing neurological and cognitive tests before any injury ever occurs. This way, if a concussion is suspected, healthcare professionals can compare post-injury test results to your baseline scores, providing a clearer picture of your brain’s health.
You might wonder, “Why not just compare results to average or ideal scores?” The problem is that everyone’s brain is different. For example, someone might have naturally poor balance without a brain injury, or someone with excellent balance might drop to a seemingly average level after a concussion. Without baseline testing, these individual differences could lead to a misdiagnosis, potentially missing a concussion that needs treatment.
Some good times to get tested are:
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Preseason (at the beginning of the season before physical activity)
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Before high risk activity (i.e. boxing, football, or soccer)
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After recovery from previous concussion (before returning to play)
Depending on the team you play on, there may be trained coaches, physicians, or athletic trainers that lead you through these tests. If this is not an option you can look externally to other healthcare professionals certified in concussion management and treatment such as physiotherapists.
For more information on concussion baseline testing click here.
P.S. Don’t let a concussion “tackle” your health - schedule a baseline test by clicking this link or calling 905-689-2552 to book with our physiotherapist.
Reference:
Shapcott, Erin. 2024. “A Complete Guide to Concussion Baseline Testing.” Complete Concussions. https://completeconcussions.com/concussion-baseline-testing/a-complete-guide-to-concussion-baseline-testing/.
