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. It may also happen if a hit to the body causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This jolting movement can create chemical changes in the brain.

And it can stretch and damage brain cells. Even though a concussion is a 'mild' brain injury, it can seriously affect the brain. Most people don't lose consciousness when they have a concussion.

But some signs and symptoms usually show up right away after the injury and others may appear hours or days later. 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 symptoms of a concussion are usually temporary.

With treatment most people feel better in a couple weeks. The main treatment is physical and mental rest. Without proper rest, recovery from a concussion may take longer.

There are many types of concussion tests that health care providers use to help diagnose concussions. They usually include questionnaires that you fill out and tests of mental and physical abilities. Some tests have special versions for children.

All concussion tests have scoring systems that help show how much an injury has affected the brain. The tests check: How well your brain processes information. This includes testing memory, problem solving, and other brain functions.

These tests are 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 provider often does these tests as part of a physical exam.; A concussion will not show up on imaging tests that take pictures of the brain.

So, these tests usually aren't needed to diagnose a concussion. But a CT or MRI scan of the brain may be done if there are signs of a more serious brain injury, such as bleeding in the brain. Some concussion tests are designed for sports coaches or trainers to use with athletes of all ages who have hurt their heads playing sports.

These tests are sometimes called 'sideline assessments.' They are not a substitute for a medical examination after a blow to the head.

Why this test is done

You may need concussion testing if you have had a head injury or a blow to the body that jolts your head. Testing may be necessary even if you think the injury isn't serious. That's because it's possible to have a concussion and not even know it.

Concussion symptoms usually show up soon after a head injury. But sometimes, they don't show up for hours or days. So, it's important to keep watching for signs and symptoms of a concussion for a day or two after a head injury.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• Appearing dazed or stunned
• Clumsy movements
• Answering questions slowly
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and/or blurry or double vision
• Changes in sleep and/or mood
• Difficulty paying attention
• Memory problems

In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot can form on the brain a day or two after a head injury. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to an emergency department right away if a child or adult has one or more of these symptoms:

• A headache that gets worse or doesn't go away
• Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, or seizures
• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech and/or unusual behavior
• One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) that's larger than the other
• Confusion
• Not being able to wake up, a loss of consciousness, or looking very drowsy

For infants and toddlers, the symptoms of a medical emergency are the same as for adults and children, but also include:

• Crying that won't stop
• Not eating or nursing

How to prepare

You don't need any special preparations for concussion testing.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

concussion assessment