Concussion Treatment in Coquitlam and the Importance of Baseline Testing

Concussions are common and potentially serious brain injuries that can impact people of all ages, especially those involved in sports and physically demanding activities. While the symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe, managing symptoms is essential to recovery and helping prevent further damage. Baseline testing is a crucial step in concussion management that we offer at Strive Coquitlam, as it provides a comparison point to measure brain function before and after injury. This blog explores what concussions are, the role of baseline testing, and why concussion treatment in Coquitlam is a valuable tool for anyone dealing with or recovering from the symptoms of a concussion.

 

What is Concussion Treatment in Coquitlam?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when an impact or sudden movement causes the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull. This can lead to chemical changes and sometimes damage to brain cells. Symptoms of a concussion vary, including dizziness, headaches, confusion, memory issues, and sensitivity to light and noise. Concussions can vary in severity, with some healing within a few weeks, while others may lead to long-term issues if not managed carefully. Since concussions are often “invisible” injuries with no outward signs, assessing their severity can be challenging without specific tools like baseline testing (McCrory et al., 2017). Concussion treatment in Coquitlam factors in all these elements to tailor your recovery to your specific needs.

What is Baseline Testing?

Baseline testing is a pre-injury examination that helps assess an individual's normal brain function before a concussion occurs. This testing typically includes cognitive and physical assessments, such as memory tests, recall, balance evaluations, and reaction time measurements. The goal of baseline testing in concussion treatment is to have an objective standard to compare against if a concussion occurs. When an individual suffers a head injury, healthcare providers can compare their post-injury performance to the baseline results, helping in assessing the injury’s severity and guiding the treatment (Echemendia et al., 2023). Baseline testing is especially common in sports, where athletes are frequently exposed to high-impact situations, but it’s valuable for anyone at risk of head injuries as well. While concussion treatment in Coquitlam is a wise option if you engage in activities that carry a risk of concussions.

Why Baseline Testing Matters for Concussion Treatment in Coquitlam

Baseline testing offers a range of benefits in managing concussions. With information from baseline testing, healthcare providers can make more accurate and tailored treatment decisions, reducing the risk of returning to activity too soon—a key factor in preventing further injury. Those who return to activities too quickly after a concussion are at a higher risk of further injury, which can have serious consequences (McCrory et al., 2017). Baseline testing also aids in tracking recovery progress, helping ensure individuals don’t return to full activities until cleared. For parents, coaches, and athletes seeking concussion treatment in Coquitlam, baseline testing provides an added level of safety.

The Takeaways From Our Discussion

Concussions can be challenging to diagnose and manage, but baseline testing is an invaluable tool that helps improve safety and outcomes for those at risk of head injury. By establishing a clear picture of how your brain normally functions, baseline tests provide essential data for understanding and treating head injuries. For individuals regularly exposed to impact or high-risk activities, baseline testing can be the difference between a safe recovery and lasting complications. If you or someone you know is seeking concussion treatment in Coquitlam, whether to pursue baseline testing or treat an existing concussion, start the journey with us at Strive Coquitlam. Click here to learn more!

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