Concussion testing and screening tools

Overview

Concussion screening and testing tools can look at brain function before and after a head trauma. Screening and testing are done by healthcare professionals who are experts in checking for and treating concussions. Screenings typically look for signs of a concussion. Testing is done to confirm and monitor a concussion. A concussion is a milder form of traumatic brain injury. It happens when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes a change in brain function. But not all head trauma causes a concussion, and a concussion can happen without head trauma.

Concussion screening and testing tools measure various skills and abilities. They can measure balance, reaction time, memory, concentration and attention. They also can measure other abilities that can be affected by a concussion.

People who are at risk of concussion may benefit from baseline screening before an injury. Athletes may have baseline screening at the beginning of the sports season. After a head injury, concussion test results can be compared with baseline screening results to look for changes.

Concussion screening and testing tools can help identify people with concussions. A healthcare professional uses the tools, a thorough medical history and an exam to check for a concussion or another condition. Screening tools alone should not be used to rule out a concussion.

Read more about concussions.

Why it's done

Concussion testing tools check how well the brain is processing and thinking after a head injury. Athletes at risk of a head injury may have a baseline screening before the beginning of the sports season. A baseline concussion screening shows how well your brain is working at that time. A healthcare professional may do the screening by asking questions. The screening also might be done using a computer or a phone.

After a concussion, screening may be repeated and compared with the earlier results to look for any changes in how your brain is working. After concussion testing and monitoring, the screening results can be used to learn when you have returned to baseline. If no baseline screening was done, healthcare professionals monitor you until your brain is back to working as it usually does and you have no symptoms, such as headache, dizziness or confusion.

Risks

Risks after a concussion

If you go back to physically demanding activities that may cause you injury, continue to play a sport or return to play too early after a concussion, you increase your risk of having another concussion.

Returning to play and not removing yourself from play after a concussion or repeat concussions can make your recovery take longer. Researchers have studied whether repeated concussions increase the risk of permanent damage to the brain or nervous system, but study results are mixed.

In the United States, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws that outline the importance of concussion recognition and care. Any athlete who has had a concussion needs to receive medical clearance before returning to sports or activities. The athlete needs to see a healthcare professional with expertise in evaluating and treating people with concussions. The most recent research shows that early low-risk exercise can be helpful in concussion recovery. But you need specific instructions from a healthcare professional before starting low-risk exercise.

Before returning to play or sports, people with concussions need to follow a stepwise approach to increasing activity levels. A stepwise approach involves increasing the duration, skills and intensity of exercise over several days. Athletes only move to the next level if they tolerate each step without developing symptoms like headaches, dizziness or confusion. All levels must be completed without having symptoms to be cleared to return to sports and physical activity.

What you can expect

Before a concussion

If you or your child is an athlete, you may benefit from baseline concussion screening before the sports season starts. A baseline concussion screening is often performed using a computer, tablet or phone. On the computer, concussion screening is similar to playing a video game.

There are various programs and electronic tools that can be used to offer a fast, efficient way for athletes to test their baseline brain function.

In the absence of baseline testing, trained healthcare professionals can still diagnose and manage a concussion if one happens. They may perform testing and compare the results with those of your peers. Or they may perform tests to establish a new baseline after you recover from your current concussion.

After a concussion

You may have a computerized concussion screening after a concussion. The result can be compared with your baseline screening if one was performed. Depending on the result, you may repeat the screening several times for up to a few weeks.

You also may have a physical exam and other tests to check your balance, eye movements and coordination. Concussion screenings and tests check your thinking and memory. Screenings may be done on a computer, written or spoken. You may be tested to see how quickly you can answer a question or solve a problem. Your ability to remember things and how well you can concentrate and pay attention also may be tested.

Concussion tools help healthcare professionals find out your current brain function and when your brain function returns to the level it was before the injury. Healthcare professionals use concussion tools with your description of symptoms and a physical exam to decide when you can get back to your regular activities.

Results

Returning to play

Don't return to play or sports if you're still having concussion symptoms, even if screening results show that your brain function has returned to the level it was before the injury. Most concussions heal quickly, but symptoms can persist for some athletes. The type of symptoms and how long they last can vary from person to person, but may include headache, dizziness or confusion.

To find out if you're ready to return to play, healthcare professionals review your history and symptoms. Before you are cleared to return to play, your health professional wants to make sure you are feeling back to your usual self and able to do schoolwork and other mental activities. They also check that you are able to do some exercise and that your exams and tests show your concussion is healing.

If your concussion symptoms don't go away, you may need additional visits with other types of healthcare professionals. You may need more detailed testing to check any changes in how your brain is working.

Your healthcare team tells you when you can return to school and other activities.