Numerous online computer neurocognitive tests have emerged over
the past few years in the field of concussion management. Some practices/practitioners are utilizing
these tests alone for concussion management, however these tests are only one
small piece of what should be a more thorough management strategy. These
tests have been shown in numerous clinical trials and world-wide consensus
statements to be unreliable as a stand-alone measure for concussion, but this
has not stopped many schools and amateur sports leagues from spending thousands
of dollars to have “baseline” testing. The problem is, these tests are
essentially a waste of time and money if
this is all you are using.
Concussions cause deficits in balance, reaction time, physical
capacity, and various neurocognitive functions. Baseline testing should
encompass the full spectrum of deficits seen in concussion injuries, however
online neurocognitive tests only cover one of these elements.
Rule of thumb: If you aren’t
testing it, you’re missing it!
The most popular online test is the ImPACT. Some experts have even gone as far as to call
this test ‘dangerous’ as a stand-alone test, as it may over-predict recovery
and put young brains back into play too early.
It has been well established that the brain is extremely vulnerable when
you are recovering from a concussion to the point where even a minor impact can
result in a secondary and more severe, or even fatal brain injury.
Here is a tragic example of the potential consequences of early
return to play.
The largest cause for concern surrounding concussions is this
brain vulnerability, which has been shown to extend for a variable period of
time after symptoms go away. The whole purpose
of the baseline test is to try and catch subtle neurological deficiencies that
may represent an incomplete recovery. Simply
relying on one test, which only tests one aspect of concussion and may
over-predict recovery due to the inherent reliability issues, is a very
dangerous concept.
While ImPACT tests are used by the NHL, NFL, and most NCAA
colleges, you will not find a single one of these organizations that relies
solely on the ImPACT test to make their return-to-play decisions. Every
single professional and university team has been putting their athletes through
rigorous and comprehensive baseline testing for years. ImPACT is simply
meant to be one tool in what should be a toolbox filled with various baseline
tests for a complete concussion management strategy.
The problem is that although this comprehensive testing is
available and mandatory for professional and college athletes with access to
full-time team medical staff, there is nothing of this caliber available for
younger, or amateur athletes.
I’ve recently teamed up with Complete Concussion Management™ to
do just that. Using the most recent medical research and input from
professional sports organizations, Complete Concussion Management™
practitioners are educated on valid and reliable baseline testing, management
strategies, and rehabilitation practices to ensure that amateur athletes are
receiving the same care and attention as professional athletes when it comes to
concussions.
Complete Concussion Management™ baseline testing covers all
aspects of a concussion injury from balance & reaction time, to motor
strength and performance, to memory and neurocognitive function. Remember,
if you are not testing it, you are missing it! Once an injury happens, athletes are directed
to a clinician who is up-to-date with the most current concussion research to
ensure that these injuries are managed properly and safely from the moment they
happen.
For more information on Complete Concussion Management™ or if
you would like your organization to have a proper, research-based and inclusive
concussion management strategy implemented, please visit www.completeconcussions.com.
Please
feel free to contact myself for any team or personal inquiries, and or our
staff at completeconcussions@gmail.com
Stay
healthy people,
Dr.
Adam
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