Baseline Testing & Early Care: Protecting Young Athletes from Concussions
*Image modified from education provided by the Brain Injury Association of America.
Concussions are one of those injuries that can leave parents, coaches, and athletes with more questions than answers. The symptoms aren’t always clear. They might show up hours or even days after the hit. And sometimes kids will say they’re “fine” just because they don’t want to miss the game.
That’s why having a plan in place before an injury happens is so important. Two things make all the difference when it comes to keeping young athletes safe:
What Is Baseline Testing, Anyway?
Think of baseline testing like a snapshot of your child’s healthy brain. It’s a simple preseason check that measures things like:
Memory
Reaction time
Balance
Focus and attention
If your child ever does get a concussion, that baseline test becomes the comparison point. Instead of guessing, doctors and therapists can look at what’s changed from your child’s normal, not an average or someone else’s numbers.
Why Baseline Testing Matters
Here’s how baseline testing helps parents, athletes, and coaches:
Takes away the guesswork – Without baseline data, concussion care relies on averages. With it, we can see changes unique to your child.
Gives clearer answers, faster – No more second-guessing whether they’re ready to return. Testing shows what’s really happening.
Protects more than just sports – Returning to play is important, but so is returning to school and everyday life. Baseline testing helps guide all of it.
Builds confidence for everyone – Parents, athletes, and coaches can feel sure decisions are based on real information, not just symptoms.
Why Early Care Is Just as Important
Baseline testing is the first step, but quick access to care makes the biggest difference if a concussion does happen.
When athletes are seen right away by trained providers:
Symptoms can be managed before they get worse
Recovery plans can be personalized
There’s less risk of returning too soon and getting hurt again
Waiting too long often leads to longer recoveries, more missed school, and more time away from sports. Early care gets athletes on the right path sooner.
Protecting Young Brains, Together
At the end of the day, parents and coaches all want the same thing: healthy athletes who can play hard and recover fully if injuries happen.
Baseline testing gives us a clear starting point.
Early care provides the safest path forward.
Together, they give young athletes the best chance at a safe recovery and parents peace of mind.
Take the Next Step
If your child is an athlete, don’t wait until after an injury to think about concussions. Schedule a baseline test before the season starts, and know you’ll be ready if a concussion ever happens.
Because when it comes to protecting young athletes, knowing their normal and acting early makes all the difference.
If you think you or your child has a concussion, request an appointment with our concussion experts today! You do not need a referral to schedule.