Baseline TBI & Concussion Testing

A Guide for Parents, and High Impact Athletes

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Why Baseline Testing Matters

A concussion baseline screening measures how efficiently your teen's brain functions before any injury occurs — during balance, coordination, reaction, and cognition tasks. This pre-injury snapshot becomes a critical comparison tool if a head injury happens later.

Standard imaging like CT scans and MRIs cannot detect most concussions. Only a baseline comparison can reveal the true cognitive impact of an injury. Returning to play too soon after a concussion dramatically increases the risk of a second — more serious — brain injury.

Dr. Luz Robles at Lucero Wellbeing offers neuropsychological assessment services for teens and pre-teens and adults in Las Vegas, Nevada. She can administer baseline tests, interpret post-injury results, and provide bilingual support for Spanish-speaking families. Contact her office to discuss baseline assessment packages for you or your your teen athlete.

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Key Statistic

Nearly 2 million U.S. children experience a concussion each year. Up to 15% of youth athletes will sustain one during a single sport season — and fewer than 10% involve loss of consciousness, making them easy to miss.

Nevada Law

Nevada Law	Nevada Senate Bill 80 (2023) requires student-athletes to be evaluated and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider through a structured multi-step return-to-play protocol. A pre-season baseline makes this process far more accurate and personalized.

What to Expect

A comprehensive baseline assessment typically covers:

• Memory, attention, and processing speed
• Reaction time and visual-motor skills
• Balance and postural stability
• Eye tracking and visual function
• Symptom checklist and prior concussion history

A graph depicts decaying oscillations over time.

Common Testing Tools

• ImPACT — FDA-cleared, 20-minute computerized test used by the NFL, NHL, and MLS. Measures verbal/visual memory and processing speed. Available online or in clinic. ImPACT

• SCAT6 — The internationally recognized Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (version 6), recommended for athletes ages 13+. Administered by a healthcare professional. SCAT6

• Multimodal Testing — A combination of tools covering 10+ brain function areas for maximum accuracy. Recommended by the NCAA and CDC for high-risk sports. Multimodal Testing

Time Commitment

A comprehensive in-clinic baseline — which includes physical balance tests, eye tracking, and symptom review in addition to cognitive testing — typically takes 30 to 45 minutes total.

A full neuropsychological multimodal baseline (the gold standard, as offered by practices like Lucero Wellbeing) may involve two visits: one for testing and one for reviewing findings with a clinician. Total time investment: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours across both.

How Often Does It Need to Be Repeated?

• Children 12 and under: Annually — because the brain is developing rapidly, and last year's baseline may no longer reflect current normal function.

• Teens 13 and older: Every two years if no concussion has occurred. After any concussion, a new baseline should be taken once fully recovered.

• After a concussion: A post-injury test is done within 2–3 days of a suspected head injury. It is compared to the stored baseline — this is why having one matters.

AFTER A CONCUSSION

After a head injury: Remove the athlete from play immediately. If any red flag symptoms are present — such as loss of consciousness, seizure, repeated vomiting, or severe confusion — 
call 911 or go to the ER right away. 
Do NOT wait for  your scheduled testing

Baseline Testing Rates

Baseline concussion testing is generally NOT covered by insurance — it is considered preventive. However, post-injury testing and neuropsychological follow-up after a concussion IS often covered. Check with your carrier. As one provider puts it: the cost of a baseline test is often less than a pair of cleats.