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"It is essential for young athletes to receive medical treatment following any blow to the head especially if the athlete has lost consciousness, even momentarily," says Brain Injury Victim's Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. "Baseline concussion tests are tools for the medical community in treating athletes who suffer concussions."

The computerized baseline concussion evaluations are commonly used in organized high school sports, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the NFL (National Football League).  The baseline concussion test can be compared to the test done after an injury to help specialists improve concussion care and make return-to-play decisions.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the baseline concussion test for all young athletes involved in contact sports before a concussion happens.  Because of children's growth and development, it is recommended that baseline concussion tests be repeated every two years. (Some experts believe baseline concussion tests should be done every year before pre-season.)

The baseline concussion test measures:

• Verbal and visual memory.

• Attention span.

• Brain processing speed.

• Reaction time.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that experts feel some baseline concussion testing tools should only be done on athletes age 10 and over. CDC also believes that health care professionals should assess for a prior history of concussion (including symptoms experienced and length of recovery from the injury).  Recording other medical conditions which could impact recovery after a concussion such as a history of migraines, depression, mood disorders, or anxiety as well as learning disabilities such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder should also be done.

Sherlyn W. Driscoll, M.D. said in an article for the Mayo Clinic that "To protect your child from head injuries, insist on appropriate and properly fitted protective equipment — such as a helmet — during sports and other activities. However, helmets and mouth guards don't protect against all concussions. Also, make sure your child knows that even a mild bump or blow to the head can cause a concussion, and that concussions don't always involve a loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms of a concussion may include: 

• Headache or a feeling of "pressure" in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, groggy or dazed
• Difficulty paying attention
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Numbness or tingling
• Sleeping problems
• Mood changes"

October 30, 2013 the Institute for Medicine and National Research Council issued a press release in which they said that the reported concussion rates are more frequent among high school athletes than college athletes in some sports -- including football, men's lacrosse and soccer, and baseball; higher for competition than practice (except for cheerleading); and highest in football, ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, soccer, and women's basketball.  Concussion rates also appear higher for youths with a history of prior concussions and among female athletes.

"If your young athlete has not had a baseline concussion evaluation, please ask the coach and/or sponsoring organization or school about including this evaluation in their pre-season activities," recommends Attorney Spivey.

Brain Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748