Should Your Child Get Baseline Concussion Testing?

Competitive sports are fun, but concussions are serious, potentially causing long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. According to American Academics of Pediatrics data, an estimated 1.1 million to 1.9 million recreational and sports-related concussions occur every year in the United States in children ages 18 and younger.

This may have you wondering if you should consider tools such as baseline concussion testing. Our pediatric experts weigh in on what baseline testing is and who might benefit from it. 

What is baseline concussion testing?

“Baseline concussion testing consists of a baseline neurological examination and a computerized neurological test that measures a person’s baseline levels of concentration, reaction times, memory and motor skills,” says Felicia Gliksman, D.O., MPH, FAAN, a pediatric neurologist at Hackensack University Medical Center. These results can be used for comparison if your child is suspected of having a concussion in the future.

What are the benefits of baseline testing?

Baseline testing can provide a foundation of measurement of a person’s cognitive and physical abilities if a concussion is suspected and help provide a comparison rather than relying on self-reporting. If it is determined that your child has a concussion, it can then be used as a guide for treatment and management.

“Every kid is different and may have different symptoms, so baseline testing helps ensure their treatment fits their needs,” says Dr. Gliksman.

Who should get baseline testing?

For boys, studies show tackle football carries the highest risk of concussion, with lacrosse, ice hockey and wrestling also with high risks. For girls' sports, soccer and cheerleading carry the highest risk of concussion, followed by lacrosse, field hockey and basketball.

But many concussions also occur off the sports field, notes Nicole Marcantuono, M.D., division chief of pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “Playground injuries, falls and gym class can also be sources of concussive injuries,” she says. “So even if your child isn’t a competitive athlete, baseline testing is always helpful because if a child has a concussion, it allows us to compare them to determine when full recovery has taken place. Having an objective measurement of a child’s performance pre-concussion helps us determine when cognitive functioning is back to baseline.”

Dr. Marcantuono recommends that all children undergo baseline concussion testing starting at age 12.

Some schools automatically provide free testing for those playing competitive contact sports at the beginning of the school year. For children who play competitively outside of school, parents can consider getting the test on their own. Currently, most insurance companies do not cover this testing, and costs can vary from institution to institution.

How to prepare for baseline concussion testing?

“For optimal results, make sure your child has had a good night’s sleep, has eaten and feels well. Also, confirm they will be taking the test in a quiet environment with minimal distractions,” says Dr. Gliksman. Some schools provide an online code for testing so a proper, quiet environment needs to be ensured.

Dr. Gliksman says it’s important for your child to take the test seriously. While poor results won’t necessarily exclude your child from playing, Dr. Gliksman warns: “Poor baseline computerized results may warrant further investigation and a more in-depth neurological history and exam.”

Current legislation in New Jersey requires kids to be pulled from play if a concussion is suspected; however, it has yet to mandate concussion baseline testing. “So if you want your child to be tested, speak with your child’s coach to see if the school district performs tests or contact your pediatrician to find a site near you,” Dr. Gliksman says.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our sources: Felicia Gliksman, D.O., Nicole Marcantuono, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a neurologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about pediatric neurology at Hackensack Meridian Health

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.