Concussion Baseline Testing
Barrow Concussion Network, along with A.T. Still University, is now providing baseline concussion testing to youth athletes who may not have access to these services elsewhere. For athletes ages 6 and up, testing is available individually or in groups. The fee is $15 per athlete. The fee pays for the test itself and travel for the test administrator to come to your site. Having baseline testing is beneficial if an athlete sustains a concussion because the testing can provide a physician with normative reference values. The paragraphs below explain what each of the assessments consist of.
Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion management tool available. ImPACT provides clinicians with invaluable information that can help take the guesswork out of concussion management and promote safe return-to-play decisions for athletes and return-to-school decisions for students.
The SCAT6 is a standardized tool for evaluating injured athletes for concussion and can be used in athletes who are 13 years and older. For younger persons, ages 12 and under, there is a Child SCAT6. Preseason baseline testing with the SCAT6 can be helpful for interpreting post-injury test scores.
All of the testing done above is dependent on the athlete’s age and the testing location. This will be determined prior to the testing. Testing must be done in a quiet location with minimal distractions.
The test results will be provided to the parent/guardian. There will also be a copy in a secure file stored at Barrow Brain Injury & Sports Neurology Center in case a post-injury assessment is needed.