Concussions, which are a type of traumatic brain injury, can potentially pose significant health issues depending on their severity.
Falls, contact sports, and blows to the head are among the most common causes of mild traumatic brain injuries. While most concussions do not cause serious and long-lasting issues, it’s vital to treat them as soon as possible.
Reacting quickly helps to prevent further injury by allowing the brain a proper amount of rest and recovery. If additional head injuries are sustained, more permanent and intense brain damage may occur.
Some concussion symptoms, such as dizziness and nausea, may appear immediately, whereas others, including trouble concentrating and persistent headaches, can develop after a few hours or days.
What Is Concussion Baseline Testing?
Baseline testing is a computerized neurocognitive test administered prior to a head injury.
It’s important to note that the test is not designed to diagnose a concussion but rather evaluates the injury and aids in its management. Learning and memory skills, the ability to pay attention or concentrate, problem-solving skills, and the presence of concussion symptoms are all assessed during the test.
The results of this assessment allow healthcare professionals to provide insight into the specific deficits an individual is experiencing after a concussion and help them create tailored treatment plans.
Why Concussion Baseline Testing Is Important
While concussions cannot be entirely prevented, physicians are now able to do more to recognize and treat the brain injury so that the patient can make a full recovery.
The test-taker benefits from getting highly personalized concussion care that may result in faster recovery in case an injury is sustained.
When interpreted by trained specialists and used alongside other concussion management tools, the test can help the doctor make the right treatment decisions and determine when the individual can go back to their normal routine.
Risks of Untreated Concussions
Concussions stretch and bruise nerves that cause chemical changes in the brain and result in the temporary loss of brain function.
Personality changes are common side effects of injuries to areas of the brain that control emotion and behaviour. For example, an otherwise well-mannered person can become aggressive or irritable
Dizziness and balance problems occur as a result of damage to the brain’s central or peripheral vestibular system. If any areas of the system become unbalanced, lightheadedness, vertigo, and dizziness can occur and upset daily life.
A concussion can cause an individual to forget the events surrounding the injury, parts of conversations, and even lose track of time. Memory loss occurs with both mild and severe concussions, though it usually affects short-term memory rather than long-term memory.
Advanced Concussion Clinic in Ottawa
Mild traumatic brain injuries can be complex to diagnose, as no two concussions are the same. Recovering from a concussion will depend on the severity of the injury. Testing helps us design a custom treatment plan to get you back to normal in no time.
Our team of concussion specialists has the tools and knowledge to help you overcome your injury and back to living life to the fullest.
If you’re experiencing any concussion symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.