Youth Baseline Concussion Testing | September 2019

Youth Baseline Concussion Testing

University Hospitals works closely with schools and sports organizations to provide state-of-the-art concussion management services for all ages, from youth to professional. In 2015, UH piloted a new comprehensive concussion testing program specifically targeting youth athletes. Due to its great success, UH is expanding this program by partnering with local youth organizations, to offer these services.

How Is the Testing Used?

Concussion testing is one important step in an overall concussion evaluation and management process. Athletes are encouraged to undergo baseline testing before their season begins. If an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, he or she should first seek evaluation/treatment by a doctor familiar with concussion management. After a period of recovery, concussion testing would then be repeated and interpreted by a concussion specialist to identify any meaningful changes and to help determine when it is safe to return to play.

Concussion testing would be utilized in one of two ways:

1) To confirm that an athlete has fully recovered prior to a return-to-play

2) To assist in concussion management and return to school (i.e., return-to-learn) if necessary