Concussions are common in high impact sports such as hockey, football, and soccer. A concussion can be simply defined as a disruption in neurological functioning of the brain following a traumatic injury such as a hit or fall.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Confusion or feeling like in a fog
Temporary loss of consciousness
Amnesia
Concentration and memory difficulties
Slowed reaction times
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Sensitivity to light and/or noise
Irritability and other personality changes
In all suspected cases of concussion, the individual should be removed from the playing field and assessed by a physician or licensed healthcare provider.
A comprehensive approach to concussion management starts before the actual injury occurs. Thus, baseline concussion testing is the first step to effective concussion management and should be done yearly prior to the season.
Complete baseline testing should include both computerized and physical tests that measure every area of the brain function that could become affected following a concussion. As each concussion is unique, it is important to treat and manage individuals on a case-by-case basis.
If concussions aren’t managed properly, such as if a second concussion occurs prior to full recovery of the initial concussion, there can be potential lasting or permanent effects. Thus, having complete baseline values to compare with post injury brain functioning provides reliable information in concussion management and assists in making safer return-to-play decisions.
Pro Form Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation provides comprehensive baseline testing consisting of:
1) ImPACT - A neurocognitive computer test used by a majority of NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS teams which measures reaction time, visual processing, memory, and concentration.
2) SCAT5 - An internationally used test which measures coordination, balance, proprioception, memory
3) Full neurological assessment.
For more information on baseline concussion testing, please contact us directly.
1. McCrory P, Meeuwisse W, Dvorak J, Aubry M, Bailes J, Broglio S, Cantu RC, Cassidy D, Echemendia RJ, Castellani RJ, Davis GA. Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. Br J Sports Med. 2017 Jun 1;51(11):838-47.
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