A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. This sudden movement results in temporary changes to the brain’s chemical balance and function. Because the signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle, delayed, or mimic other conditions, testing is necessary for diagnosis and management. There is no single “concussion test,” but rather a battery of assessments, meaning the total time required varies significantly based on the setting and depth of the evaluation. The duration depends on whether the evaluation is an immediate screening on the field or a full consultation in a clinic.
Rapid Sideline and Emergency Evaluations
The quickest form of assessment occurs immediately after a suspected injury, typically performed by trained medical personnel like athletic trainers. The goal of this rapid evaluation is to screen for immediate red flags and determine if the individual should be removed from activity. A standardized tool often used is the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5), which provides a structured approach for evaluating athletes aged 13 and older.
The SCAT5 is a multi-component test that assesses immediate memory, orientation, and symptoms, and includes a brief neurological screening. This rapid assessment is designed to take a minimum of 10 minutes to perform correctly. The time is spent on a symptom severity checklist, cognitive screening questions, and a modified balance check. The outcome is not a definitive diagnosis but a quick decision about whether the person can safely return to activity or needs immediate transfer for comprehensive medical care.
The Standard Comprehensive Clinical Visit
A full diagnostic appointment with a medical professional, such as a concussion specialist or neurologist, represents a more substantial time commitment than the initial sideline screening. This visit is necessary for a definitive diagnosis and the creation of a treatment plan. The total time for this initial consultation typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, though it can extend longer for complex cases.
This clinical assessment begins with a detailed patient history, where the clinician gathers information about the injury mechanism and the timeline of symptoms. This is followed by a thorough physical and neurological examination, which often includes checks of eye movement, coordination, reflexes, and gait. The total appointment time is longer because it includes essential consultation and treatment planning, in addition to the actual testing components. The doctor spends time reviewing findings, discussing the diagnosis, providing patient education, and formulating the initial management plan, which involves brief physical and cognitive rest.
Duration of Specialized Neurocognitive Tests
The comprehensive clinical evaluation includes specialized tests that objectively measure changes in brain function. Computerized neurocognitive assessments are a standard part of this process to measure cognitive domains impaired following a head injury. One widely used tool is the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT).
The ImPACT test, which is computer-based, assesses neurocognitive functions such as working memory, attention span, reaction time, and processing speed. For individuals aged 12 and older, this specific test typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. A pediatric version is available for younger children between the ages of 5 and 11, often taking 10 to 15 minutes. These tests provide objective data that assists the clinician in tracking recovery, especially when compared to a pre-injury baseline or normative data.
Variables That Extend the Testing Time
The duration of a concussion evaluation can be extended by several patient-specific or logistical factors. A complex medical history, particularly a history of prior concussions or pre-existing conditions like migraines, anxiety, or learning disabilities, requires the clinician to spend more time gathering detailed background information. This in-depth history is necessary because these factors can influence symptom presentation and recovery trajectory.
If the initial evaluation suggests a more severe injury, the need for diagnostic imaging can substantially increase the total time commitment. Ordering and waiting for a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to rule out complications like bleeding or structural damage adds hours to the process. The age of the patient is also a factor, as testing children often requires specialized tools and more time for parental input and cooperative testing. Clinic or emergency room waiting times also contribute to the overall patient experience, separate from the duration of the actual medical assessment.