Pre-concussion testing, also known as baseline testing, is a test that’s rapidly growing in popularity among young athletes. The purpose of pre-concussion is to determine a baseline for athletes without a concussion. In other words, you’re establishing what’s normal. Young athletes are encouraged to receive a pre-concussion test before the start of each game and practice season to maintain accurate and up to date results. Each year, more and more young athletes head to their physician to receive this testing.
What Does Pre-concussion Testing Include?
Pre-concussion testing includes a series of tests to evaluate motor responses and symptoms that may be affected by a concussion. By evaluating what’s normal for each athlete, physicians are able to determine the severity and the best treatment method when an athlete suffers a concussion. The areas evaluated include balance, coordination, and other cognitive abilities.
Cognitive Ability Examinations
When an athlete suffers a concussion, they may present a variety of cognitive and mental symptoms. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of:
- Migraines
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Other learning disabilities such as attention deficit disorder (ADD)
During pre-concussion testing your child’s physician will likely ask them a series of questions regarding their mood, interest in daily activities, sleep habits, and anxiety levels in different situations. They will also perform memory and concentration tests to evaluate the presence of attention deficit disorder or other learning disabilities.
Why Does Cognitive Testing Matter?
This cognitive testing is important to help diagnose a concussion, but more importantly, it can make the recovery process much less stressful for your child after they’ve suffered a concussion. Many students become frustrated when they suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, or attention deficit disorder following a concussion, even if it’s only temporary. You may see a decline in their school performance and overall involvement in daily activities.
This baseline testing gives you and your student peace of mind that these changes are temporary, which will help to keep your child in good spirits during bad times.
It will also be helpful to notify your student’s teachers of the changes from their pre-concussion testing to their post-concussion testing so they’re aware of what to expect from your student.
These concussion symptoms can last for as little as 3-5 days or as long as a year, but post-concussion testing will be repeated throughout healing to look for signs of improvement. At OrthoNOW we provide pre-concussion testing as well as concussion treatment services. We provide comprehensive testing to establish a baseline now, so we now know to provide treatment for future injuries. For more information about the services we provide, please call us at 855-447-6784.