Concussion
Baseline Screening

Assessing Skills, Protecting Athletes

Almost 2 million U.S. children experience a concussion each year and up to 15 percent of youth athletes will experience a concussion during any given sport season. Injuries occur from sports, falls, car accidents and head collisions. Returning to school or physical activity too soon after a concussion can lead to a longer recovery process, increased symptoms, and even serious brain injury or death. ChildServe helps keep athletes safe by giving players information about the function of their healthy brain before the season starts through a concussion baseline screeningA concussion baseline screening tests how efficiently an athlete can balance, coordinate, and react. “Baseline” means that you take the screening before the season starts or before any injuries take place to see how your brain normally functions.
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If an athlete gets a concussion during the season, ChildServe specialists use the information gathered during the concussion baseline screening to compare an athlete’s pre-injury abilities to their post-injury abilities and determine how severe the injury is and what impairments are present. Therapists in ChildServe‘s concussion program can then partner with the athlete, coaches, and family to identify a safe return-to-play progression that will lessen the risk of a second concussion, serious brain injury, and other long-term health effects.

Did you know?

%

Fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, making concussions difficult to notice.

%

An estimated 47% of athletes do not report feeling any symptoms immediately after a concussion.

An athlete that has already received a concussion is 3 times more likely to receive a second one.

Many young athletes try to hide or minimize their concussion symptoms for fear of losing their spot on the team or receiving less playing time.

Why choose ChildServe?

Pediatric Experts

ChildServe’s pediatric experts include our Certified Brain Injury Specialists, and the only clinicians in Iowa who are certified as ImPACT Pediatric Care Providers.

CARF-Accredited

We hold in pediatrics, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, with a specialization in brain injury.

Specialized Technology

ChildServe offers cutting-edge facilities and specialized technology including , , and .

Female teen working on balance with staff

Who We Serve

Concussion Baseline Tests are available for children and young adults (up to 21 years old) in any sport who would like to gather information about their healthy brain function to provide expert support in the event of a brain injury.

Our Approach

Assessments and Technology

Concussion baseline screenings allows individuals and families to learn about the status of a child or young adult’s healthy brain, so that benchmarks can be set for recovery plans in the event of a concussion.

ImPACT Neurocognitive Testing is a computerized test that gives specific information on how the brain processes information related to memory, sequencing, concentration, processing, and reaction time.
Bioness Integrative Therapy System (BITS) is an interactive touchscreen that uses several different programs to assess and challenge the physical, visual, auditory and cognitive abilities of the child.
Dynavision tests the body’s vision and balance systems to learn how they impact decision-making and concentration under stress.
Balance Testing assesses the body’s reactions while in different positions.
Vision Testing measures how accurately someone can visually scan across a page within a specific timeframe.
Cognitive Screenings study how quickly the brain processes information related to memory, sequencing, and concentration.

Expert Pediatric Team

ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic includes a variety of brain injury recovery specialists and is part of a comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation medicine program led by the only board-certified pediatric physiatrist in Iowa, Fred Klingbeil, MD. Our interdisciplinary approach to medical evaluation and rehabilitation following a concussion uses evidenced-based return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols.

Our Team of Pediatric Concussion Specialists

ChildServe’s Concussion Clinic team includes the following positions:

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician

Pediatrician

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Certified Rehabilitation Nurse

Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Speech Language Pathologist

Medical Social Worker

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a baseline screen?

To schedule a concussion baseline test or refer a child, contact our Patient Services team at 515-251-5555.

How much does this service cost?

Concussion baseline testing is available for $75.00. Cash, check and cards are accepted.

Where are services provided?

The Concussion Clinic is located at ChildServe in Johnston. Enter through Welcome Center B.

When are services provided?

The Concussion Clinic’s hours of operation are as follows:

Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Should I get a Concussion Baseline Screen for my child if they do not play a sport?

Yes, about half of concussions are not sport-related but occur from car accidents, falls, and head collisions. A concussion baseline screen looks at how your child’s brain functions prior to an injury, which provides valuable information to create a plan for return-to-learn and return-to-play decisions in the event of a concussion. Returning to school or physical activity too soon following a concussion can lead to a longer recovery, increased symptoms, and even serious brain injury or death.

How often should my child have a Concussion Baseline Screening?

A concussion basline screening for children up to 21 years old is recommended every one to two years. This is because their brains are still developing and changing so it is important to keep up on testing as their results can change every few years.

Contact Us!

ChildServe – Johnston

5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

515-251-5555

ChildServe Center - Johnston

About

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,800 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.