Concussion Tests
Concussion tests are used to evaluate brain function following a head injury, helping providers diagnose mild traumatic brain injuries and monitor recovery.
What are concussion tests?
Concussion tests can help find out if an adult or child has had a concussion after a head injury. A concussion is also called a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
A concussion happens when sudden movement causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull. It can be caused by a bump or blow to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This jolting movement can create chemical changes in the brain and stretch or damage brain cells.
Most people don't lose consciousness when they have a concussion. Symptoms are different for each person, but often include headaches, problems with memory, and changes in how a person thinks, acts, feels, and sleeps. The main treatment is physical and mental rest.
Concussion tests check:
- How well your brain processes information: This includes testing memory, problem solving, and other brain functions, often done on a computer or on paper.
- How well your nervous system is working: These tests check balance, muscle coordination, and other physical abilities.
A concussion will not show up on imaging tests that take pictures of the brain. However, a CT or MRI scan may be done if there are signs of a more serious brain injury, such as bleeding.
What are they used for?
Concussion tests are used after a head injury to see if the injury is affecting brain function and to monitor recovery. Athletes may also undergo a baseline test at the start of a sports season to record normal brain function, which helps providers confirm a concussion, determine its severity, and know when an athlete has fully recovered.
Why do I need concussion testing?
You may need testing if you have had a head injury or a blow to the body that jolts your head, even if you think the injury isn't serious. Signs and symptoms include:
- Appearing dazed or stunned
- Clumsy movements
- Answering questions slowly
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Fatigue, confusion, or dizziness
- Sensitivity to light, blurry or double vision
- Changes in sleep or mood
- Difficulty paying attention or memory problems
Seek emergency medical attention (call 911) if a person experiences:
- A headache that gets worse or doesn't go away
- Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, or seizures
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior
- One pupil larger than the other
- Confusion or inability to wake up/loss of consciousness
What happens during concussion testing?
Providers typically use standard tests to learn about the injury, including:
- Answering questions about how the injury happened and the symptoms experienced.
- Taking a test (often on a computer) to check learning, memory, thinking, and attention.
- A physical exam checking vision, eye movement, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes.
In certain cases, a provider may order a blood test to check for specific proteins that may appear in the bloodstream after a mild concussion to decide if a brain scan is needed.
What do the results mean?
If testing confirms a concussion, the treatment is physical and mental rest to help the brain heal. This often includes limiting screen time and taking time off from school or work. It is critical to ensure the concussion is fully healed before returning to activities, as a second concussion before the first has healed can cause serious brain damage.
Is there anything else I need to know about concussion testing?
You can take steps to prevent concussions, such as:
- Wearing the correct, well-fitting helmet for sports.
- Wearing seat belts.
- Preventing falls by keeping your home well-lit, removing tripping hazards, and using nonslip mats and grab bars.
- Making home and play areas safe for young children with window guards, safety gates, and shock-absorbing playground materials.