Concussion Baseline Testing

Helping athletes and teams know when they can safely return to sport by establishing state-of-the-art baseline data for post-injury comparisons, treatment planning and recovery monitoring.

Why do pre-season screening?

Thanks to research which has emerged over the last few years, we now know that a percentage of concussed athletes can be left with significant problems which can interfere with their work, sport and studies for months or years.

While huge advancements have been made in recent decades in the understanding and assessment of concussion and head injury, there remains no single gold-standard test to conclude that an athlete has in fact sustained a concussion. Diagnosis is made by a battery of tests which attempt to compare the athlete to expected ranges, or - ideally - to their own baselines (similar to comparing knee strength to the opposite side after surgery).

Just as some athletes are stronger, faster or fitter than others, tests which are commonly relied upon in concussion assessment can have natural variation, especially when testing variables like balance, memory and eye movements.

Individualised baseline data from pre-screening removes a significant hurdle in understanding the extent of damage an athlete has suffered and improves recovery monitoring to understand when they are safe to return to their normal activities.

What’s involved

Pre-injury concussion screening takes approximately 15 minutes per person, and includes the following:

  • Assessment of previous history of head injury or whiplash.

  • Multiple domain memory testing.

  • Resting heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Computerised balance testing using BTrackS Force Plate.

  • Objective oculomotor testing using Optics Tracker.

  • Vestibular-oculomotor (VOMS) test.

Objective eye tracking technology

Normal computerised oculomotor assessment

Significant neurological impairment

Eye movements are controlled by complex neural circuits involving multiple regions of the brain and brainstem which are often impacted by a concussion. Computerised eye tracking using the Optics Tracker technology allows us to monitor their performance and provide a detailed understanding of which of these regions are compromised. Repeated testing on subsequent visits lets us monitor improvement in neurological function and adjust the management plan as needed.

Much like some athletes are naturally stronger or faster than others, oculomotor performance can differ somewhat between individuals. Understanding an athlete’s baseline (or pre-injury) performance means we can determine when their neurological function has returned to normal and they are safe to resume their usual athletic activities.

Computerised balance testing

Dizziness, unsteadiness and postural dysequilibirum are among the most commonly reported symptoms following a concussion. All patients suspected of having sustained a concussion undergo objective balance testing using the BTrackS balance force platform. This provides a reliable measure of the brain’s awareness of where the body is in space, and can be used to help determine the extent of neurological dysfunction as well as indicate when an athlete is ready to return to sport safely.

What is a concussion?

What is a concussion?

“Sport-related concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain. This initiates a neurotransmitter and metabolic cascade, with possible axonal injury, blood flow change and inflammation affecting the brain”. (Patricios et al, 2023).

The acute impact results in a change in the balance in the chemical environment through the brain and brainstem; decreased ability to process sensory stimuli; and alterations in the transmission capacity of nerve cells.

Concussion Symptoms

While most concussions are expected to symptomatically resolve within 4 weeks, approximately 20-30% remain symptomatic for more than one month.

Symptoms vary from case to case, depending on factors such as previous head injury, medical conditions and general health status. Generally speaking, symptoms can include:

  • Headache

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Alterations in memory, concentration and mood

  • Dizziness, nausea and balance issues

  • Sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises and/or strong smells.

Get back to sport, safely

We know that after an injury people want to get back to their sports and hobbies as quickly as possible. Our rehab programs are designed to do just that, all the while monitoring your neurological performance to ensure you’re safe to do so.

While no two concussions are ever exactly the same, some general approaches to rehab may involve:

  • Breathing exercises to increase oxygenation and decrease neurological stress

  • Vestibular rehabilitation and/or balance exercises

  • Manual therapy to the neck, jaw and surrounding tissues

  • Dietary modification and/or vitamin supplementation

  • Exercises which challenge coordination and cognitive processes (dual-tasking)

Book Online

Book Online

If you’re ready to get back to your best, use the form here to book online.

Want to chat on the phone first? You can reach us on 0448 576 174.

Visit Us

1 Woodland St, Essendon (opposite Strathmore train station)

Hours
Monday 8am - 7pm

Tuesday 8am -7pm

Wednesday 2pm -7pm

Thursday 8am -2pm

Friday 8am - 6pm

Saturday 8am - 11am

Phone
0448 576 174