Baseline Testing
Though education is the number one priority when dealing with concussions, both Keith and I feel it important that you as a coach, trainer and/or parent have your athletes/children baseline tested. There has been some controversy about this area of management but after tremendous review and talking with top neurologists from around North America, we have determined that it is better to have something for the doctor to look at when it comes to the human brain then nothing. Some neurologist suggest a 6 hour neurological screening but we have to be realist when it comes to our medical system, we do not have enough qualified doctors nor the financial resources available to us to tax our health care. The cognitive testing we have now is the best (not perfect) alternative and is a measuring stick for doctors when seeing new patients with brain injuries. Below is a chart to understand some of the options presently used.
In our present state we all want the instant fix but unfortunately when it comes to the brain there isn’t one. So we need to use all the tools in the toolbox to help management concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
What is it?
A baseline test is an evaluation that is taken before any concussion, activity or treatment has occurred. Baseline testing data is valuable in determining the athletes’ pre-injury (normal) level of cognitive
functioning, and then-should an injury occur, post-injury level of cognitive functioning can be taken. It is a tool in our toolbox in which we feel is an effective concussion management program because it measures what we can’t see – cognitive (brain) function. Baseline information can also then be gathered after an athlete has completely recovered from the symptoms of a concussion to establish a new baseline level of cognitive functioning.
Why it’s important?
Baseline or pre-season evaluation is an essential part of the concussion management process. It can help medical staff evaluate a concussion thereby able to develop a specific treatment plan for recovery. It allows the athlete to safely return to play safer; in giving, parents, coaches, trainers, and the athlete themselves comfort that they have returned to the previous level of performance and are symptom free before returning to play.
What stopconcussions.com is doing?
Through our mandate to educate and create awareness surrounding concussions, we have done our
research and have teamed up with three organizations designed to help you through the detection and management of a concussion. The following tests and clinic should all be a part of your concussion toolbox. The more tools and information that we have, the better we are able to react and aid an individual should a concussion occur.
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Description |
Costs |
| King Devick |
King-Devick Test is an objective rapid sideline screening test for
concussions that can be administered by coaches, athletic trainers,
medical professionals and parents in minutes. King-Devick Test is an
accurate and reliable method for identifying athletes with head trauma and
has particular relevance to contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer,
basketball and all activities. The two minute test involves the athlete
reading single digit numbers displayed on three cards and captures
impairments of eye movement, attention, language and other symptoms of
impaired brain function.
The King Devick test serves as a removal from play test. This means
that the test can be taken immediately once an injury is suspected to
determine whether or not an athlete is cognitively fit to continue with the
competition.
The test is taken at the beginning of the season to establish a
baseline healthy score for the individual, and if their post injury score
indicates that they are not fit to play, they should be removed immediately.
Further testing should be completed to accurately diagnose the injury.
King Devick testing is a useful tool in combating multiple concussions
and second impact syndrome.
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$45
to $1,750 per year
$45
manages up to 3 athletes
$150
manages up to 20
$350
manages up to 100
$750
manages up to 300
$1,000
manages up to 500
$1,750
manages up to 1000
Includes:
Physical tests in an easy to carry booklet, score sheets, online system, stopwatch
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| ImPACT |
Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, widely
known as ImPACT, is the most widely used computerized concussion evaluation
method. It is a scientifically validated testing system that can help to
objectively evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition and track
recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of
concussion, and second impact syndrome.
ImPACT testing was created in a way so that it can be performed by
anyone who has been trained in baseline testing methods. This is a valuable
component, as you don’t have to be a specialist to administer this test.
ImPACT testing takes only about 20 minutes to complete, and
effectively aids the facilitator in testing, measuring and analyzing the
athlete so that they can gain valuable information on the athlete’s mental
state.
Features:
- Measures individuals
symptoms
- Tests Verbal and
visual memory, and processing speed
- Reliable reaction
time testing
- Assists in guiding
return-to-play decisions
- Provides reliable
information
- Produces
comprehensive, easy to interpret results
- Results are
electronic so they can be easily sent and stored
- The tests can be
administered individually or in groups
- All tests are
compatible with both MACs and PCs.
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Programs include:
Concussion
Management
Professional
Advisory Boards
Patient
Resources
Clinical
Trials
Customized
Testing and Program
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| FitMind Inc. FitMind Inc. |
FitMind Inc. is a private clinic
that offers the ‘Complete Concussion Care’ program. The clinic offers four key aspects that are
crucial to concussion management:
1)
Education:
Individual and team-based concussion education sessions
2)
Comprehensive
pre-injury/baseline assessment: Individual or team-based
evaluation of pre-injury neuropsychological/cognitive and physical
performance to inform post-concussion rehabilitation protocols and safer
return to play decision making
3)
Post-concussion
rehabilitation: Individualized and sport-specific
post-concussion rehabilitation program that is client-centred and addresses a
safer return to all meaningful activities (e.g. school, sport etc.)
4)
Research:
The ‘Complete Concussion Care’ program is based upon years of concussion
research completed with youth athletes at the BrainFit Lab (www.brainfitlab.com)
at the University
of Toronto. The program remains affiliated with the
BrainFit Lab, allowing for the continued development of the most effective
rehabilitation and management of concussion in athletes.
FitMind Inc. and the ‘Complete
Concussion Care’ program team consists of clinical and rehabilitation
specialists (Neuropsychology, Occupational Therapy and Athletic Therapy)
trained in managing sport-related concussion.
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Team-based baseline = $100 per
player (includes parent/coach concussion education session)
Post-concussion management costs
will vary by case
*The
majority of post-concussion management and rehabilitation services are covered
under extended benefit plans and sport association insurance.
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