What is the purpose of obtaining baseline neurological screening of the brain?

The purpose of obtaining baseline neurological screening of the brain is primarily to track a patient's recovery from injury. Establishing a baseline allows healthcare professionals to compare an athlete's current neurological status against this initial assessment after they have sustained an injury, particularly a concussion. This tracking is crucial in determining whether the individual has returned to their pre-injury level of cognitive and neurological function, which is essential for making informed decisions regarding their return to play or further evaluation and management.

While assessing cognitive function is an important aspect of neurological evaluations, it is not the primary goal of baseline screening, which is more focused on recovery tracking. Diagnosing chronic conditions generally involves more comprehensive evaluations beyond baseline screenings. Designing individualized rehabilitation programs certainly relies on understanding a patient's baseline status, but the screening's primary function is to monitor recovery from specific injuries. This tracking ensures that safety remains the top priority in the management of athletic injuries.