Balance Examination in Concussion

Course overview

One of the hallmarks of concussion management is the assessment of balance and postural control. Within the first seven days post concussion, there is strong evidence that balance can be assessed with low-technology methods such as the Balance Error Scoring System, which was designed to detect balance problems in athletes post concussion. Recent evidence is summarized about the use of dual-tasking during gait in younger and older retired athletes that suggests that longer-term balance deficits can be identified with the use of technology. Accelerometers, cell phones, and motor capture detect balance and gait differences long after one to two weeks in persons who have experienced a concussion or mild head trauma. Balance tools that are currently being utilized in the clinic are reviewed, and new technologies for the assessment of balance in persons post concussion will be demonstrated in videos