Concussion at PROmotion health
At PROmotion Health, our comprehensive concussion management service offers baseline testing, acute post-injury assessment, and management of Persistent Concussion Symptoms (PCS). We prioritise safe return-to-school/work protocols and evidence-based outcome measures for a thorough concussion rehabilitation process.
Concussion Assessments and Management
Concussion, a traumatic brain injury, can result from various impacts to the head or body, causing a range of symptoms that may evolve over time. Recognising concussion can be challenging, with less than 10% of cases involving loss of consciousness. Females are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing more severe symptoms and prolonged recovery due to physiological and hormonal factors.
Symptoms of concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, cognitive impairment, and emotional sensitivity, among others. Baseline testing, comprising a battery of assessments, serves as a reference for post-injury comparisons. It aids in recognising and responding to concussion injuries promptly and effectively.
At PROmotion Health, our baseline testing includes symptom assessment, balance testing using VALD technology, vestibular oculomotor screening (VOMS), reaction time tasks, memory tests, and neurocognitive computer assessments. While baseline tests are advantageous, they are not mandatory for acute concussion assessments.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion
During an acute assessment, we conduct a thorough medical history review and symptom check, followed by neurological, gait, and balance assessments. Based on these evaluations, we create a customised plan for returning to school/work and, if applicable, sports activities.
Persistent Concussion Symptoms (PCS) affect about 30% of concussion cases, lasting beyond expected recovery periods. At PROmotion Health, we employ evidence-based objective testing to address physiologic, vestibular-ocular, and cervicogenic aspects of PCS. We offer athlete and caregiver education and support, with access to our network of Sports Physicians and Psychologists for co-management or referrals as needed.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive care and support throughout the concussion management process, ensuring optimal recovery and minimising the risk of long-term complications. With PROmotion Health, you can trust that your concussion management is in expert hands, guiding you toward a safe and successful return to normal activities.
For those participating in contact sports, it’s advisable to undergo a concussion assessment before the season starts to establish baseline measures. If you’ve experienced a concussion, schedule your acute assessment today with our 60-minute Concussion Appointment.
Baseline Testing
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance impairment (unsteady gait)
- Behavioural changes (more irritable or confused)
- Cognitive impairment (slow reaction times or difficulty concentrating or remembering)
- Sleep disturbances (fatigue, difficulty falling asleep)
- Emotional sensitivity (nervous, sad)
- Sensory disturbances (blurred vision, sensitive to noise or light)
Can I attend for an acute concussion assessment without a baseline test?
A baseline is a group of tests that are completed in clinic, which can be used for comparison post-injury to assist in the return to school/work and return to sport decision making process.
Baseline testing also provides a valuable opportunity for the healthcare provider to educate athletes and their parents on how to recognise and respond to a concussion injury.
At PROmotion, concussion baseline testing includes:
- Symptom number and severity (SCAT5)
- Balance testing (utilising VALD technology)
- Vestibular oculomotor screen (VOMS)
- Reaction time tasks
- Memory and concentration tasks
- Neurocognitive computer test
