As school bells sound out the start of classes, it’s time for student athletes to prepare for their upcoming sports seasons.
Schools make parents and students aware that athletes need physical exams before they hit the field or court. But these exams may leave out something important — baseline concussion testing.
This testing can make a big difference if an athlete gets injured and has a suspected concussion. It can help a physician diagnose them and make sure they get the treatment they need quickly.
James Castle, MD, a neurologist at Rush, explains what baseline concussion testing is — and why athletes of all ages should get it done before the season starts.
What is baseline concussion testing?
Baseline concussion testing measures certain brain functions before an injury happens.
It isn’t invasive and doesn’t require any brain scans. A physician will simply have the patient answer a few questions that test cognition and gather information.
“The preseason test involves attention and memory, including recall of words, rearranging digits and some math questions,” Castle says. “It is done at baseline and repeated if a concussion occurs.”
If the patient has a suspected concussion during the season, they can be retested. Then their new results can be compared to their baseline to see if an injury is causing any impairment.
“The most commonly used tests are the SCAT and ImPACT,” Castle says.
These tests can also involve assessing symptoms and answering questions about the athlete’s history with sports, drug or alcohol use, disabilities, medical conditions or previous concussions.
Which student athletes should get tested before the season, and how often?
All sports carry some risk of injury, and concussions are fairly common, especially in high contact activities.
Castle says preseason testing is important for athletes who play “any sport in which concussion is likely, including tackle football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball and lacrosse.”
The CDC also lists hockey and softball in the top 10 sports in which students commonly get concussions.
While Illinois does not mandate baseline concussion testing, it’s still a good idea for athletes of all ages to get it, even younger kids.
"Most experts recommend somewhere between ages 10 to 12 to begin testing every year or two,” Castle says. “And, yes, testing should be continued regardless of age until retirement from the sport.”
Which athletes should be tested for concussion?
Any athlete who has a suspected concussion should be tested by a physician who can compare their baseline results and diagnose them.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It can damage nerve cells and disrupt normal brain function.
Research suggests that it can also lead to poorer academic performance. One study showed that students who reported having one or more concussions also reported lower GPAs.
Concussions often lead to concerning symptoms that can interfere with learning too. They can make it difficult to focus in class and complete assignments. So diagnosing and treating them early is very important.
“Typical signs of concussion would include any loss of consciousness, amnesia for events prior to and after the injury, nausea, vomiting, headaches, balance trouble, confusion and blurry vision,” Castle says.
But sometimes the signs of a concussion can be harder to spot.
“One subtle sign that’s easy to miss is if the athlete shakes their head after hitting the ground or another player. That is often a sign that a concussion has occurred and the athlete should be assessed.” Castle says. “Other subtle signs are staggering around the field after the event or wandering to the wrong sideline or huddle.”
If an athlete is showing any of these signs, they should be tested for a concussion. Baseline testing can help physicians diagnose them and provide treatment quickly, even if symptoms aren’t obvious.
What to do before the season starts
Whether you’re a parent of a young athlete or a college student putting on the uniform, baseline concussion testing should be done before stepping onto the court or field.
For kids in high school or younger, a pediatrician can help arrange for any needed testing. For athletes in college, a primary care physician or sports medicine specialist can help.
Prior to the season, athletes of all ages should consider concussion risks, especially in high contact sports.
“I think it is crucially important for families and parents to use good judgment about enrolling their children in sports with a high risk of concussion, particularly at a young age,” Castle says. “It may be best to wait until children are older and able to fully consent before joining high risk sports.”
You can learn more about concussion treatment options on our Concussion Care page. You can also call Rush at (888) 352-7874 to make an appointment.
