What is concussion?Concussion is a brain injury caused by trauma that transmits force to the brain either directly or indirectly and results in impairment of brain function. A player can sustain a concussion without losing consciousness. Concussion is associated with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms that resolve sequentially.
When can a player safely return to play following a concussion?
According to BokSmart:-
Why is it so important to return to play at the appropriate time? Returning too soon following a concussion may have serious short & long term consequences including:
More serious brain injury and even death
Prolonged symptoms lasting weeks or months
Greater risk of further concussions
Interference with studies (school and university) and work
Poor performance on the sports field
Long term, permanent brain effects
So what can we do?
“A decreased ability to maintain balance is one of the hallmark signs of concussion."
A “baseline test” is a test that is done BEFORE a concussion happens. The purpose of a baseline test is to measure multiple areas of brain function that are commonly affected following a concussion.
This way, if an athlete does get a concussion, we can compare their post-injury state to their baseline parameters to help make an accurate diagnosis, as well as to establish a more objective determinant of recovery and readiness to return to their sport.
At MOBiL, the objective data provided by the Biodex Balance Assessment tool provides a performance baseline against which post-injury performance can be compared. In addition, a healthy population of student-athletes is stored on the system for general normative data comparison.
Detailed summary and progress reports track recovery and provide the medical team with quantitative data to help with the return-to-play decision.
The objective measure from postural stability/balance testing provides clinicians with an important additional piece of the concussion puzzle and assists them in determining readiness for return to play.
News suplied by MOBIL.