Your trusted concussion clinic
Baseline concussion testing is a pre-season exam conducted by a trained health care professional. Baseline tests are used to assess an athlete’s balance and brain function as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.
Baseline testing should take place during the pre-season (ideally before the first practice) and is best performed in children over 10 years of age. At the Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we provide these testing services to help ensure the health of growing athletes.
What’s included in a baseline test?
Baseline testing should include tests that assess an athlete’s ability to balance, pay attention or concentrate, learning and memory skills, problem solving and eye function. At MHCG, we use the following tests:
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool – 6 (SCAT6)
- RightEye / Oculomotor Testing
- Balance Testing
How is this information used in a suspected concussion?
Results from baseline testing can be used if an athlete has a suspected concussion. Comparing post-injury results to baseline test results may assist health care professionals in identifying the effects of the injury and making more informed return to school and play decisions.
Relying on symptoms to determine recovery is not recommended. If you have had a concussion and are showing no more symptoms, this does not mean you have fully recovered.
Post-injury testing helps indicate that you’re functionally recovered so that you’re more confident returning to sport.
Our testing supports concussion diagnosis and care. Put your athletes in the best position with our help.
Baseline concussion testing and better outcomes
Diagnosis
Baseline concussion testing provides key information on an athlete’s normal brain function, allowing for more accurate and faster concussion diagnosis.
Recovery monitoring
Thorough testing ensures that checks can be made throughout the recovery process to assess whether real progress is being made.
Better decisions
With this understanding, you can make more informed decisions about when to return to school and work without causing more harm.
How often should you baseline test?
Baseline testing is recommended annually.
What is the SCAT6?
The SCAT6 is a comprehensive testing tool used by health professionals to gather baseline data and assess for signs of a concussion. This involves checking through symptom lists, a cervical spine assessment, a coordination assessment and memory checks.
The off-field assessment also includes assessing the athlete’s background, cognitive screening and the completion of delayed recall tasks.
What is oculomotor testing?
Oculomotor testing involves guiding the athlete through specific eye movements to assess for symptoms such as nausea, double vision and headaches.
The Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group difference
Tailored support
With our tailored concussion baseline tests, you can potentially help your athletes identify a concussion much faster to receive the concussion care they need.
Years of experience
With our hands-on experience supporting concussion diagnosis and care, we can help improve rehabilitation plans so that your athletes may return to daily living and training much sooner.
Ideally located
Our Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group clinic is ideally located in Williamstown to offer local residents the tailored and trusted support they need.
Baseline Concussion Testing Near Me
Head injuries can be incredibly traumatising and, without treatment, can impact your life for months or even years. At the Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we offer comprehensive baseline testing so that you and your athletes may enjoy better care to get back on track sooner.