Vestibular & oculomotor testing

In addition to the SCAT6, opens in a new tab , there are evidence-based tools and questionnaires that can assist the Clinical Management Team (CMT) (e.g., physiotherapists or medical practitioners) to identify impairments.

Questionnaires such as PCSQ, PSQ and MPCS assist in identifying symptom domains that may be affected following the concussion including physical, cognitive, emotional, fatigue and sleep.

Tools   such as the BESS (the modified-BESS is a component of the SCAT5), Near Point of Convergence (NPC) and VOMS can be used to identify VOM impairments. The following video demonstrates the VOMS assessment and can be useful to guide physiotherapists assessing athletes post-concussion

None of these tools can or should replace clinical judgement when reviewing a concussed athlete. They may however help guide the CMT in the rehabilitation of athletes’ post-concussion.

Correct identification of clinical impairments post-concussion can help guide specific rehabilitation. The following infographic, can be a useful tool to guide the clinical review process.

Technologies such as eye tracking devices, neurocognitive tablet applications (i.e., Apps), and other sensory organisation testing devices may have a role in VOM assessment. Access to such tools may vary and currently there is limited evidence for clinical utility in athletic populations. Ongoing research in this area is required to better understand the value of these tools in the diagnosis and management of concussion.