Which option lists the cognitive and balance assessments commonly used for concussion baseline assessment?

• A. Visual acuity only
• B. Blood pressure and pulse
• C. SCAT5, SAC, BESS, symptom inventory; plus clinical history
• D. ECG, EEG, MRI

Answer: (C)

Focusing on what matters in concussion baseline testing: you want to capture how the brain functions cognitively, how balance is maintained, the symptoms a person reports, and any history that could affect recovery. The combination of SCAT5, SAC, BESS, symptom inventory, plus clinical history does exactly that. SCAT5 provides a broad baseline framework that includes cognitive checks and symptom assessment; SAC targets specific cognitive domains like orientation, immediate memory, and concentration; BESS evaluates balance through a series of stance tasks to reveal postural control issues; the symptom inventory records current concussion-related symptoms and their severity; and clinical history adds context from prior concussions and other factors that influence baseline performance and recovery trajectories. Together, these elements give a well-rounded baseline across the key domains used to monitor changes after injury.

Options that list only visual acuity, or only vitals like blood pressure and pulse, miss the cognitive or balance aspects essential to concussion assessment. Imaging or electrophysiological tests such as ECG, EEG, or MRI aren't practical routine baselines for cognitive and balance screening and don’t provide the targeted, comparable measures needed for concussion management.