Why is baseline screening important?
Everyone's brain function is different, and what we consider normal for you may not be normal for someone else. Understanding your specific 'normal' or 'baseline' allows us (should you suffer a concussion) to compare your current function to normal baseline. By understanding your individual baseline we can design more effective treatments and better determine when you are recovered.
It is especially important since patients often feel better before their brain has fully recovered. And, it means a safer return to sport because we know that those who have suffered a concussion are at a higher risk of suffering a subsequent one, and even have a higher risk of suffering other injuries post-concussion.
If you are an sportsperson concerned about the risks of concussion, having an accurate, objective baseline is one of the best ways to monitor for change over time.
What is involved?
Our easy to follow at home assessment takes about 20 minutes, and is done on a laptop or tablet (it cannot be completed on a phone).
The assessment involves a series of exercises designed to test your attention, understanding, learning and memory.
Once complete we will share your results with you within a few days, as well as any recommended next steps.
It is recommended that you retest every year to maintain an up to date baseline measure.
Comprehensive concussion baseline assessment
Should you require a more comprehensive assessment we offer that as well. It blends the digital, at home test with a clinical assessment. You will be seen by one of our concussion experts in clinic. The assessments we use may include the following:
- Medical history - This covers your medical history (especially concussions), concussion symptoms, mental health, and how you sleep.
- Digital at home cognitive test - This is our online baseline test as detailed above.
- Physical assessment- A simple test or the use of force plate technology to capture data about your balance and postural sway responses.
- Vestibular Ocular Motor (NeuroFlex® testing) - You wear a set of virtual reality googles that allows us to create a ‘snapshot’ of your brain’s function through measurement of your eye movements and reaction time.
We are currently the only clinic in New Zealand to offer industry-leading NeuroFlex assessment (as used by the likes of FIFA, and World Rugby).
What happens to my assessment information?
Your information will be securely stored in our system, for use by our concussion team should you suffer an injury.
You will receive a summary of the results.
We can also provide the full report to any medical professional that you specify.
Baseline testing for sports teams
Having your whole team assessed can be an important part of your overall healthcare plan and is something we can help with.
Our at home baseline test is the easiest way to have your whole team covered. For 10 players or less simple order online.
For orders of more than 10 people you can email concussion@axissportsmedicine.co.nz.
For our comprehensive assessment, we can arrange for team members to come into the clinic, or potentially we can come to you to undertake the assessments over a set period of time. To discuss or arrange this please send us an email.
