Ohio School System Sets Up Concussion Baseline Testing for Athletes

Loudoun County Public Schools in Ohio, in collaboration with Inova, have launched a new concussion management program. This initiative provides all 14,000 student-athletes with free "neurocognitive baseline testing" at the beginning of the academic year, enabling post-injury comparisons.

These computerized tests, which last 20 to 30 minutes, evaluate verbal and visual memory along with speed and reaction time.

Dr. Melissa Womble, Director of Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program, emphasized that physical recovery from a concussion doesn't always coincide with cognitive recovery.  

The program aims to harness the pre-season test data to enhance and personalize treatments for student-athletes with concussions.

Megan Santos, an Athletic Trainer from Loudoun County High School, highlighted that the school's concussion protocols have evolved over the past decade, with a minimum of five days mandated before a concussed athlete can return to play.

The updated protocols also reflect current research and involve assessments such as balance testing and vestibular ocular motor system screening. A panel reviews these protocols every two years.

Recent studies have shed light on the link between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder resulting from head injuries.

However, Dr. Womble believes that the emphasis should be on concussion management, emphasizing the benefits of sports for young people in reducing drug use and mental health issues.

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