Baseline Concussion
Screening
What is Baseline Concussion Screening?
In order to provide the most effective treatment for you if you suffered a concussion, we first need to know what your normal – baseline – is. This is achieved by receiving a baseline concussion screening, which is a series of tests that tell us how your state is normally. 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 your history with concussions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baseline Concussion Screening
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 you are currently, then if you sustain a concussion, it gives us a benchmark to measure what your normal state is.What happens in a baseline concussion screening?
Thrive Now’s screening involves educational sessions for coaches, players, and family when detecting symptoms, concussion management and prevention, and an Individual SCAT5 or Child SCAT5 assessment.
SCAT5 is an acronym for Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 5th Edition. This 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.
How long does a baseline screening session take?
The SCAT5 test takes approximately 20 min to go through. Our clinic sets aside 30 minutes per person to allow for education time, along with a Q&A session.
Can you still get a baseline screen if you’ve had a concussion before?
Absolutely. A baseline gives us is an idea of where you are currently at, whether you have sustained a concussion or not.What if I don’t play a contact sport? Should I still do baseline concussion screening?
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, the list goes on.If you feel you are at risk for a concussion in your daily life, work, or hobbies, you’re a great candidate for screening.
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 reassessment as soon as possible gives a better picture as to the severity of your symptoms. Even if the follow-up SCAT5 is delayed, the sooner you start to manage the symptoms, the faster your body can start to heal.Is there any treatment provided in the baseline screen?
No. The Baseline test is an education testing session only.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, with exercises to deal with deficits in these areas, and physical exercise progressions to ensure you are working at the appropriate pace for your symptoms.Do you offer baseline concussion screening at both locations?
We are only offering this out of our Duncan location. Call 250-856-0531 to inquire, or book a physiotherapy assessment online with Thrive Now!
