Concussion Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Concussion assessment, Mild traumatic brain injury test, Sideline assessment
Concussion tests help evaluate brain function after a head injury to determine if a concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) has occurred. They involve questionnaires, cognitive tests, and physical exams.
Specimen: None
Urgent safety information
If after a head injury you experience a worsening headache, weakness, numbness, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, one pupil larger than the other, confusion, or cannot wake up, call 911 immediately.
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.
A health care provider will ask questions about the injury and symptoms, administer cognitive tests (often on a computer), and perform a physical exam to check balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes. In some cases, a blood sample may be collected.
There is little risk to having concussion testing. If a blood test is done, you may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, which usually goes away quickly.
Understanding results
Concussion test results are scored to show the likelihood that a concussion has occurred. Results are reported as screen-negative (lower likelihood of concussion) or screen-positive (higher likelihood of concussion). A screen-positive result indicates the need for further evaluation by a healthcare professional. A screen-negative result suggests a concussion is less likely but does not completely rule it out.
- Screen-negative: Lower likelihood of concussion. Limitation: A negative result does not completely rule out a concussion, as symptoms may appear hours or days later. Next step: Continue monitoring for symptoms. If symptoms develop, seek medical evaluation.
- Screen-positive: Higher likelihood of concussion. Limitation: This is a screening assessment and cannot confirm a concussion with certainty. Next step: Follow a recovery plan that includes physical and mental rest, limiting screen time, and possibly time off from school or work. Follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and a personalized recovery plan.
- 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
Based on the test results, your healthcare provider will recommend a recovery plan that typically includes physical and mental rest, limiting screen time, and possibly time off from school or work. Follow-up testing may be done to monitor recovery. It is important to allow full healing before returning to regular activities to avoid a second concussion.
- 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?