Urban Health Group is now offering Baseline Concussion Testing!

Myth: A concussion must be caused by a hit to the head

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or any other injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. This sudden brain movement can cause damage to the brain cells, and create chemical changes within the brain.

Myth: You must lose consciousness in order to have a concussion

In 90% of concussion cases, there is no loss of consciousness.

Myth: Every concussion will present with the same symptoms

The symptoms of a concussion will correspond to the area of the brain that has been injured. Therefore, symptoms will vary from individual to individual, and may present as a constellation of cognitive, emotional, physical symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Myth: A concussion can be diagnosed with advanced imaging, such as a CT scan

CT scans appear normal in concussed patients. A concussion is diagnosed clinically with the help of a history (mechanism of injury, and previous injury history), symptom checklist, and focussed physical exam (neurological, cognitive, visual, balance testing, etc.). A diagnosis may be facilitated with the use of baseline concussion testing.

What is baseline concussion testing?

A baseline concussion test is a standardized test that measures various areas of brain function. This allows health professionals to collect
measurable data, reflecting an individual’s brain function prior to injury. In the event of a suspected concussion, these tests can be reproduced, yielding comparative scores before and after injury. This information is used to assess the severity of a concussion, which areas of the brain have been affected, and to provide guidelines for an individual’s recovery, and return to play.

Fact: Education and early guidance following a concussion may reduce the duration of symptoms

Research shows that early detection of a concussion is of paramount importance. Levels of physical and cognitive activity that exacerbate
concussion symptoms may be associated with prolonged recovery. Therefore, it is important that individuals receive the right advice early on!

If you think that you or someone you love could benefit from baseline concussion testing, please contact Urban Health Group to set up an
appointment today!