Mayo Clinic Baseline Concussion Testing Broadened to Include Middle School Students
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Mayo Clinic announces the extension of the statewide baseline cognitive
concussion testing initiative to middle school students in Arizona. In
early June, Mayo Clinic announced that it would provide baseline
cognitive concussion testing to all high school athletes in Arizona at
no cost. Now, all youth athletes involved in middle school sports can
receive complimentary baseline cognitive concussion testing.
Baseline and after-injury cognitive concussion testing measures how the
brain is working before and after a concussive brain injury. The testing
is mandated in professional and collegiate athletics but not in
scholastic athletics involving youth athletes. The Computerized
Cognitive Assessment Tool will be available at no cost to the athlete
when they receive an access voucher from Mayo Clinic. The test can be
taken from any computer with Internet access, takes approximately 10
minutes to complete and the athlete or parent can share the results with
athletic trainers and directors, as well as health care providers of
their choice. Since cognitive (brain) functions such as information
processing speed, learning, and memory often recover more slowly than
other physical symptoms, it is important to monitor the results of this
test after an injury to be able to determine when its truly safe for the
athlete to return to play. Mayo Clinic can provide evaluation of
patients with concussions beginning at age 12.
Since Mayo Clinic first announced the complimentary baseline testing for
high school athletes in June, more than 30,000 access vouchers (and
counting) have been distributed throughout the state.
The potential for serious long-term effects from concussion has caused
concern and prompted the passing of legislation in Arizona – Senate Bill
1521. The new law prohibits an athlete who has had a concussion from
returning to play until cleared by a licensed health care provider. The
particular vulnerability of the brain to concussion at young ages also
highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and proper care for youth and
adolescent athletes.
Mayo Clinic recently held the first Arizona Concussion Summit for
coaches, athletic directors, trainers, medical professionals and others
concerned about concussion issues. The summit focused on recognizing the
signs and symptoms of concussion, the changes in brain function that
occur after concussion, the particular vulnerability of the developing
brains of children and adolescents, the proper evaluation and management
of the concussed athlete, and the role of baseline and after-injury
testing in helping health care providers make return-to-activity
decisions.
For more information or to obtain access to take the computerized
cognitive concussion test, student athletes, parents, coaches, athletic
trainers and school athletic directors in Arizona can email concussion@mayo.edu
or visit mayoclinic.org/concussion-testing.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a non-profit worldwide
leader in medical care, research, and education for people from all
walks of life. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org/about/
and www.mayoclinic.org/news.