Baseline Concussion Screening
Did you know Baseline Concussion Screening is now available at Thrive Now? These baseline and post-injury tests are computerized assessments that measure Reaction Time, Memory Capacity, Speed of Mental Processing, and Executive Functioning of the brain. They also record baseline concussion symptoms and provide extensive information about a patients history with concussions.
Since recently introducing baseline concussion screening as a service to the Cowichan Valley, we’ve received a variety of great questions. Here are the top ten most frequent questions we have received so far:
1) Who is baseline concussion screening for?
Baseline concussion testing gives a “snapshot” of where you are presently. There is no scientific evidence to link this to a decrease in concussions, nor does it necessarily mean you will have a better outcome after a concussion. The baseline process gives us an idea of where the individual is currently, then if they sustain a concussion, it gives us a benchmark to measure where the individual’s normal is.
2) What does it involve?
Our clinics Baseline Concussion Testing involves: Educational sessions for coaches, players and family on the topics of concussion recognition, management and prevention; and an Individual SCAT5 or Child SCAT5 assessment. SCAT5 is an acronym for Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 5th Edition. The SCAT5 is a standardized assessment tool that measures abilities in cognitive, physical, and neurological areas. This SCAT5 test is not a stand-alone tool to diagnose a concussion, measure recovery, nor to gauge timelines for return to activity.
3) How long does the baseline screen take?
The SCAT5 test takes approximately 20 min to go through. Our clinic sets aside 30 min/individual to allow for education time, along with a Q&A session.
4) Can you still get a baseline screen if you’ve had a concussion before?
Yes, definitely. The baseline gives us is an idea of where the individual is currently at, whether they’ve sustained a concussion or not.
5) What if I don’t play a contact sport, should I still get a baseline screen?
You do not have to have suffered a head impact to sustain a concussion. Any sudden stoppage of the body or head can lead to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You could sustain a TBI slipping in shower or garden, falling off a chair, being in a car accident etc.
6) Do you have to be playing sports to get a baseline screen?
No. If you feel you are at risk for a concussion in your daily life, work, or hobbies, the Baseline test gives you an idea of where you currently at.
7) If I’ve already had a baseline screen, how soon after a concussion, should I get tested again?
Following a TBI, the sooner, the better. If your team has medical personnel on site, having a reassessement as soon as possible gives a better picture as to the severity of the symptoms. Even if the followup SCAT5 is not performed initially, the sooner you start to manage the symptoms, the faster your body can start to heal.
8) Is there any treatment provided in the baseline screen?
No. The Baseline test is an education testing session only.
9) What types of treatment does your clinic offer for treating concussions?
Education in managing symptoms and progressing activities; manual loosening of muscles and joints as necessary; visual and vestibular assessments and exercises to deal with deficits in these areas; physical exercise progressions to ensure you are working at the appropriate pace for your symptoms.
10) Do you offer baseline concussion screening at both locations?
Right now we are only offering this out of our Duncan location. To book an appointment call 250-856-0531 or click below:
Written By:
Patrick Jadan
Registered Physiotherapist, Co-Owner of Thrive Now Physiotherapy
