Concussion Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Concussion assessment, Mild traumatic brain injury test, Sideline assessment
Concussion tests can help find out if an adult or child has had a concussion after a head injury.
Specimen: None
Urgent safety information
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot can form on the brain a day or two after a head injury. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to an emergency department right away if a child or adult has one or more of these symptoms: A headache that gets worse or doesn't go away, Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, or seizures, Repeated vomiting, Slurred speech and/or unusual behavior, One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) that's larger than the other, Confusion, Not being able to wake up, a loss of consciousness, or looking very drowsy.
Emergency numbers on this page are for the United States. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.
Why this test may be ordered
- To assess brain function after a head injury
- To monitor recovery from a concussion
- To establish baseline brain function for athletes before a sports season
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for concussion testing.
To do concussion testing a provider will usually use one or more standard concussion tests to learn about the injury and how it's affecting the brain. In certain cases, your provider may order a blood test to help decide if a brain scan is needed to check for a more serious injury.
There's little risk to having concussion testing. If you have a blood test, you may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but it usually goes away quickly.
Understanding results
If concussion testing shows that a head injury has caused a concussion, the treatment is physical and mental rest to help the brain heal.
- Testing shows a concussion: If concussion testing shows that a head injury has caused a concussion, the treatment is physical and mental rest to help the brain heal. Limitation: A concussion will not show up on imaging tests that take pictures of the brain. Next step: Ask your provider about a recovery plan, including how to relieve symptoms.
- Sideline assessment suggests a concussion: If you or your child has a sideline assessment that suggests a concussion, you or your child should follow up with a provider. Limitation: They are not a substitute for a medical examination after a blow to the head. Next step: Your provider may do another concussion test to see if recovery is complete.
- Concussion tests are screening assessments and cannot confirm a concussion with certainty.
- A negative result does not completely rule out a concussion, as symptoms may appear hours or days later.
- These tests are not a substitute for a thorough medical examination after a head injury.
What to do next
Ask your provider about a recovery plan, including how to relieve symptoms. But it's important to make sure that the concussion is fully healed before returning to all usual activities. That's because having a second concussion before the first has healed can cause serious brain damage.
- How is a concussion test different from a brain scan?
- Can a concussion test be done at home by a parent or coach?
- How long does it typically take to recover from a concussion?
- Are concussion tests safe for children?
- Do I need a baseline test if I play sports?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.