July 17, 2015
Why a computerized concussion baseline is often not enough
Dr. Mitchell’s warning to local programs: many school computer baselines are invalid and cannot guide return-to-play.
Along with higher reported concussion rates has come a rush of computerized neuropsychological testing in high schools and colleges. Dr. Mitchell has been saying the same thing to local programs for years: beware. Your athlete may have an invalid baseline.
Many computer scores cannot be used because they do not provide an accurate snapshot of pre-injury cognition. If the baseline is junk, you cannot measure post-injury impairment or recovery against it. Return-to-play then becomes a guess.
CIHW offers true athletic assessment and concussion care in West Dundee. We also speak to clubs and schools about why a library laptop screen is a weak substitute for a clinical neurological exam. If you run a program with concussion risk, start at /speaking or /services/concussion-care.
