At Williamstown Health + Lifestyle, we prioritise athlete safety. That’s why we conduct preseason baseline concussion testing to evaluate an athlete’s balance, brain function, and the presence of any concussion symptoms.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the significance of baseline testing and how it helps us make informed decisions regarding athletes’ return to school and sports activities.

Firstly, What’s Included in a Baseline Test?

Assessing Key Skills and Functions

• Balance Assessment: Our baseline test includes evaluating an athlete’s ability to maintain balance using Sway Medical Tech
• Cognitive Function Evaluation: We assess an athlete’s attention, concentration, learning, and memory skills using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool – 6 (SCAT6).
• Eye Function Testing: Our objective eye testing, including oculomotor testing and eye movement tracking, helps determine any issues related to eye function.
• Comprehensive Case History: We gather detailed information about any previous head and neck injuries to understand an athlete’s medical background fully.

Secondly, How Baseline Testing Helps in Concussion Management

Using Baseline Results for Comparison

Baseline testing results play a crucial role when a concussion is suspected in an athlete. By comparing post-injury test outcomes with baseline results, our healthcare experts can better recognise the impact of the injury and make well-informed decisions regarding an athlete’s return to school and sports activities.

Beyond Symptom-Free Recovery

Relying solely on symptoms to gauge recovery is not advisable. Even if an athlete is symptom-free after a concussion, it does not guarantee full recuperation. Post-injury testing provides valuable insights into functional recovery, allowing us to have greater confidence in determining when it’s safe for an athlete to return to sports participation.

Baseline concussion testing at Williamstown Health + Lifestyle is an essential step in ensuring the safety of athletes. By assessing balance, cognitive function, eye function, and previous injury history, we gather valuable information for comparison in case of a suspected concussion. Our comprehensive approach helps us make informed decisions regarding an athlete’s return to school and sports activities, prioritising their well-being and long-term health.