Baseline testing is a tool used in concussion management. Before a knock to the head occurs, baseline testing sets the foundations for assessing the impact of a head injury on the brain. It allows medical professionals to use previous information about a person’s own brain without injury to diagnose a concussion and facilitate recovery, rather than relying on symptoms alone.
During baseline testing, a series of physical and computerised activities will measure balance, vision, memory, reaction time, impulse control and more to ascertain the normal (baseline) cognitive functions of an individual’s brain in an uninjured state. If a concussion occurs during sport or other high-risk activities, then data from the baseline test will be compared against post-concussion test results.
Reviewing the comparative data makes the diagnosis more easily recognisable and the full extent of the injury known. Using a number of tests that assess a wide range of cognitive and physical aspects of brain function means that more specific treatment and rehabilitation plans can be developed. This aids in reducing the likelihood of prolonged symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea and, fatigue.
For any athlete, we recommend completing baseline testing during the pre-season to reduce the worry around concussions. Hopefully you can participate in sports knowing that should a concussion occur, all the correct measures are in place to improve recovery and allow for a safe return to normal function and physical exercise.
At BodyOptics, we aim to decrease fear and ensure a safer environment for everyone to enjoy participating in sports, especially those where the risk of concussion is more likely. Our baseline testing allows for more accurate return-to-play recommendations and a reduced long-term impact for individuals who experience a significant concussion.
We offer Baseline Testing as part of our Complete Concussion Management solution. The session takes 15 minutes per participant and is delivered either in-person or online via video consult, at an affordable fee.
For more information about Body Optics’ Baseline Testing, please phone us on 0439 855 790. Book an online consultation for a Baseline Test here.
