A one minute concussion test is a great place to start for those looking for a quick assessment that will give them direction for care. It’s by no means comprehensive, but it is usually a great place to start to guide concussion treatment.
In today’s fast-paced world, concussions have become a significant health concern, particularly in sports, accidents, and everyday life. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a parent, it’s crucial for you to recognize the early signs of a concussion and take appropriate action.
In our practice at The Neural Connection, we’ve seen too many people make assumptions that their symptoms will heal on their own after months and sometimes even years. Statistically speaking, 10-20% of individuals who sustain a concussion will struggle with chronic post-concussion symptoms after three months following their injury.
This is where the one minute concussion test can provide great value. This quick and effective tool can help identify the possibility of a concussion within 60 seconds, making it an essential part of first-aid responses in situations where head injuries are suspected.
We want to make sure you don’t end up in the category of dealing with chronic post-concussion symptoms!
In this article, we’ll explore what a concussion is, how the one minute concussion test works, and why it is an essential tool in the early detection of mild to moderate brain injuries. We’re also going to highlight the signs and symptoms of a concussion and explain when to seek further medical assistance from a concussion expert.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of “mild” traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly caused by a bump, blow, or sudden jolt to the head, neck, or body. Interestingly, it can also occur from a blow to the trunk or body that causes the head to rapidly move back and forth, leading to the brain shaking inside the skull.
Yes, this means that concussions can occur even without a direct hit to the head. Many patients we’ve seen in the clinic have suffered concussions by falling on the ice and hitting their tailbone. The one minute concussion test could have been invaluable to help them find immediate answers.
We’ve also had many patients sustain concussions in auto accidents, which is the third leading cause of head injuries and TBI’s. Sadly, most providers are too busy focusing on treating neck injuries and forget to treat neurological dysfunction. Don’t let this happen to you!
This sudden movement of the head and skull can result in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can temporarily or permanently affect brain function. While most concussions are considered to be non-life-threatening, they can have severe and long-term effects if not treated promptly and appropriately.
Early identification and intervention are crucial for healing, and the one minute concussion test is one way to ensure that potential concussions are quickly detected and treated.
How Does the One Minute Concussion Test Work?
The one minute concussion test is a simple screening tool that helps to assess whether a person might have suffered a concussion. It involves asking a series of questions, observing certain physical and cognitive responses, and looking at balance and specific eye movements in a short time frame.
The one minute concussion test should not replace a professional medical evaluation, but it can help to quickly identify warning signs that suggest a possible concussion.
Here’s how the test typically works:
1. Ask Simple Questions
The one minute concussion test starts by asking the injured person simple questions to assess their orientation and memory. Examples include:
- What is your name?
- What day is it?
- Where are you right now?
- Can you recall what happened before the injury?
- Who is the current president of the United States?
*Note: If the person has trouble answering these questions or appears dazed and confused, it may indicate a concussion.
2. Check Physical Symptoms
Observe the person for any visible signs of a concussion, such as:
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Bruising on the head, neck, or body
- Altered gait or falling while attempting to move
*Note: If they have these, document it or take photos and videos for evidence.
3. Test Immediate Memory
Another important aspect of the one minute concussion test is to ask the person to repeat a series of words or numbers. For example, you can say three random words (like “apple,” “car,” and “house”) and ask them to repeat them back to you after 1 and 5 minutes.
*Note: Difficulty with memory recall could be another indicator of a concussion. This process will also allow you to observe their speech and ability to respond to verbal commands, which can provide more evidence of a head injury.
4. Check Pupils and Eyes
Observe the person’s eyes to see if their pupils are equal in size and respond to light appropriately. Uneven pupils or difficulty focusing are red flags.
*Note: When light is shined into the pupil, the pupil should constrict and get smaller. In many situations, this will either not happen, or the pupil will respond quickly and get large again, usually staying big. This outcome can also be an indicator of a concussion.
This rapid assessment can be completed in around a minute and gives you an initial understanding of the person’s condition. If the individual exhibits any of these symptoms or behaviors, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Why Is the One Minute Concussion Test Important?
The one minute concussion test is valuable for several reasons:
1. Quick Identification
The test provides an immediate assessment of potential brain injury, helping you act fast in situations where every second counts. It can also be performed without fancy tools or diagnostic testing, which makes it efficient and highly valuable.
2. Ease of Use
Anyone can administer the one minute concussion test, whether they have medical training or not. This makes it especially useful when medical professionals may be unavailable, such as on sports fields or at home. It also provides a quick path to decision-making, which can significantly impact outcomes and recovery time.
3. Prevention of Further Injury
Identifying a concussion early means that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent further injury, especially in a sports setting. For example, if an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, they should be removed from play to avoid worsening the condition. Second impact syndrome is a significant factor in back-to-back head injuries, which can cause potential long-term brain damage.
4. Encourages Further Medical Evaluation
The one minute concussion test helps in deciding if further professional medical evaluation is necessary. It does not replace a doctor’s diagnosis but can highlight the need for one. If you’re left wondering whether or not someone needs medical assistance, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and send them to a medical professional for a proper evaluation.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
Even though the one minute concussion test is a quick way to screen for a potential brain injury, it’s important to be familiar with the most common symptoms of a concussion. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent.
Concussion symptoms often include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Memory problems
- Feeling sluggish or slow
- Blurred or double vision
- Sleep issues
- Changes in digestion or appetite
- Neck/shoulder pain
- Cognitive delays
In some cases, concussion symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the injury. This delayed onset is why ongoing monitoring of the injured person is important, even if the one minute concussion test shows no immediate concerns.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
While the one minute concussion test can help you identify possible concussions, it’s not a definitive diagnostic tool. If someone exhibits any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional medical assistance right away:
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief
- Worsening headache that doesn’t go away
- Severe confusion or amnesia
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Unequal pupil size
- Difficulty waking up or staying awake
- Unusual behavior or personality changes
- Inability to speak or verbally communicate
In these cases, a more detailed examination, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be needed to assess the extent of the brain injury. We also suggest patients start working with a functional neurologist or physical therapist trained in head trauma to get the appropriate care as soon as possible.
The Role of the One Minute Concussion Test in Early Detection
In the event of a head injury, time is of the essence. The one minute concussion test offers a fast and straightforward way to screen for potential concussions, allowing for timely medical interventions and reducing the risk of complications.
While this test does not replace professional medical diagnosis, it is invaluable in emergencies, sporting events, and everyday life.
Our highly experienced medical team at The Neural Connection has 20+ collective years of treating concussions and traumatic brain injuries. And we’ve got 90+ 5-Star Google Reviews from satisfied patients to prove it.
If you’re still dealing with post-concussion symptoms, we would love to help you.
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*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
