CONCUSSION BASELINE TESTING
Accidents can happen when you play sports.
While we can’t predict when or if a concussion may happen, having a pre-concussion baseline for you or your child is extremely helpful.
What is Concussion Baseline Testing?
Baseline concussion testing is a set of examinations that test your balance, reaction time, memory, coordination and your body’s muscle and nerve function. The testing uses computers for measuring your balance and brain function.
A physiotherapist will perform a musculoskeletal exam to measure your upper body strength, range of motion and reflexes. In the event of concussion, all of these tests are standard practice, so having a baseline test allows for your rehabilitation team to make better decisions to guide your rehabilitation to your most optimum recovery.
Who Should Be Tested?
Anyone who participates in sports where there is a risk of concussion. Eg., Cycling, rugby, football, soccer, horseback riding, gymnastics, martial arts, hockey, motorcross, skiing/snowboarding. By administering the same set of tests *BEFORE* injury that are standard following a concussion, in the event of injury we are able to manage the fastest return to school and activities without compromising recovery.
Concussion Baseline Testing Has 4 Parts:
Your concussion baseline testing physiotherapist in Victoria, BC will guide you through these four aspects:
1. Impact.
Computerized neurocognitive assessment that is FDA approved and the most widely used in North America as a baseline assessment for concussions. It can also be used after a concussion to track your progress. Takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
2. Visual Ocular Motor Screen.
This tool is administered by the physiotherapist and it looks at how your brain, eye and inner ear coordinate.
3. Sway.
Computerized assessment of balance and reaction time is FDA and Health Canada cleared. It takes approximately 10 minutes to administer the test.
4. Musculoskeletal Exam.
This is administered by the physiotherapist and it assesses your upper body range of motion and nerve function.
In total a baseline assessment can take up to 1 hour. The results are valid for 12-24 months if you do not sustain a concussion.
Sports that are high risk for contact or head injury should repeated their baseline assessment at this time.
YOUR VICTORIA CONCUSSION BASELINE TESTING PHYSIO TEAM
Lauren Macauley
BSc. Kin, MSc.PT, FCAMPT, CGIMS, CAFCI
CONCUSSION BASELINE TESTING IN VICTORIA, BC
By having a baseline, in the event of injury we are able to safely determine your fastest return to daily activities without compromising recovery or causing harm.
OUR PATIENTS ❤️ US
