Concussion Testing in Montomery County, Md.

The Montgomery County (Md.) board has approved four contracts to administer baseline testing to student athletes as part of an effort to improve awareness and treatment for concussions. The baseline tests assist medical professionals in determining when a student athlete can return to play a sport after sustaining a concussion.

Baseline testing is conducted before a sports season begins. It assesses an athlete’s balance and brain function, including learning and memory skills, ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly he or she thinks and solves problems. When a student athlete is suspected to have sustained a concussion, medical professionals will be able to compare results from baseline tests with those administered after an injury.

“Any athlete who is exhibiting concussion-related symptoms must be removed from a game immediately and cannot return to play until cleared by a medical professional,” the district says.

The program will cost $99,140, which includes $18,750 for the purchase of the required computer software.