Baseline Concussion Testing
Baseline testing is an essential part of protecting your brain health
At MHP Therapy in London, Ontario, we offer baseline concussion testing for athletes of all ages and levels. Whether you’re involved in high-contact sports like football or hockey, or even recreational activities, baseline testing is an essential part of protecting your brain health. Baseline testing provides critical information that can help healthcare providers make better decisions about your care in the event of a concussion.
What is Baseline Concussion Testing?
Baseline concussion testing involves assessing an athlete’s cognitive function, balance, and reaction time before any injury occurs. This initial assessment is stored as a reference point. If an athlete sustains a concussion, post-injury test results are compared to their baseline to help determine the severity of the concussion and guide recovery.
At MHP Therapy, our baseline testing includes a variety of tests that measure:
- Memory and concentration
- Reaction time
- Balance and coordination
- Vision and visual tracking
- Cognitive speed
This thorough assessment gives us a well-rounded understanding of how your brain functions normally, which is essential for evaluating potential concussions later on.
Why is Baseline Testing Important for Athletes?
For athletes, concussions are a real risk. In sports like football, hockey, soccer, rugby, and basketball, where high-speed collisions and falls are common, baseline testing is an invaluable tool to monitor brain health. Here’s why baseline testing matters:
Better Post-Injury Care
When an athlete has a baseline test on file, we can compare their post-concussion condition to their normal cognitive state. This allows for more accurate diagnosis and better care, ensuring you receive the treatment you need based on your unique brain function.
Return-to-Play Decisions
Baseline testing plays a key role in determining when an athlete is ready to return to sports safely. Without a baseline, return-to-play decisions rely solely on symptom reporting, which can be unreliable. Having a pre-injury reference ensures that the decision to return is based on objective data, helping to avoid the risk of a second, more dangerous concussion.
Prevent Long-Term Damage
Concussions can lead to long-term issues like post-concussion syndrome if not treated properly. Baseline testing helps medical professionals make informed decisions about your recovery process, reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms or additional injuries.
Who Should Get Baseline Concussion Testing?
Baseline concussion testing is recommended for:
- Youth athletes in contact or high-risk sports
- High school and college athletes in all sports
- Professional and semi-professional athletes
- Recreational athletes involved in sports like cycling, skiing, or snowboarding
Baseline testing is especially important for anyone participating in sports where head impacts are common. The test is non-invasive, easy to complete, and takes just a short amount of time.
How Does Baseline Testing Work at MHP Therapy?
At MHP Therapy, our baseline concussion testing is performed by experienced professionals using the latest tools and technology. The process includes a series of computerized and physical tests that measure cognitive and physical functions.
The Steps of Baseline Testing
- Initial Consultation – We start with a detailed discussion about your sports activities, concussion history, and health background.
- Cognitive Testing – This includes memory, attention span, and reaction time assessments using computerized systems designed specifically for concussion management.
- Balance & Coordination Testing – We evaluate your body’s stability and balance to have a reference point for post-concussion recovery.
- Visual and Vestibular Testing – We test eye movement, coordination, and your vestibular system (related to balance and spatial orientation).
- Final Report – After completing the tests, we provide you with a detailed baseline report that can be used if you experience a concussion.
This baseline information is securely stored at MHP Therapy and can be accessed whenever needed. If a concussion occurs, we’ll conduct a post-injury assessment and compare the results to your baseline, ensuring you get the best treatment and recovery plan.
Schedule Your Baseline Concussion Testing Today!
Don’t wait for a concussion to happen—be proactive about your brain health! Contact MHP Therapy in London, Ontario today to schedule your baseline concussion test and protect yourself or your athletes from the long-term effects of concussions.