Protecting Athletes from Head Injuries: The Importance of SCAT-5 Baseline Testing

Who needs testing? Athletes who participe in sports with a high risk of concussion or head injury such as:

  • Cycling / Biking
  • Football
  • Baseball / Softball
  • Basketball
  • Diving
  • Soccer
  • Skiing / Snowboarding
  • Gymnastics
  • Equestrian

When to get testing. Prior to the start of every sports season, athletes at risk of concussion should receive baseline SCAT-5 testing.

Why does it matter? Baseline SCAT-5 testing provides objective measurements that allow providers to compare functions before and after a head injury. This information is critical in identifying wheather treatment is necessary and when it is safe for the athlete to return to play.

What can the athlete expect? A healthcare professional will administer a standardized and repeatable clinical assessment to establish a baseline measurement for an athlete’s functions. In case of a concussion, this baseline will help identify an appropriate treatment plan for the athlete’s safe recovery.

Where can you get tested? Camma Love, Eric St. Pierre, and Ariana Oliveira all provide SCAT-5 testing at ESP Sports Medicine.