TEST BRAIN HEALTH AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION

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You may have heard about Baseline Testing for brain function. With the growing awareness of the ramifications associated with concussions, many schools and teams now encourage athletes of all ages to consider having a baseline brain neurocognitive assessment. Additionally, many adults opt to evaluate their brain function to stay on top of their “game” in the workplace, or simply for comparison in case of a future head injury or cognitive decline.

At our Fairfield, Connecticut health center, Dr. Adam Breiner has been treating traumatic brain injuries and brain related problems for over 15 years, including concussions, stroke, head hits, Lyme Disease, ADHD/ADD, anxiety, depression, brain fog and lack of mental focus.

We employ a Triple Baseline approach to offer an assessment of the brain. Dr. Breiner has found that his Triple Baseline Testing provides a comprehensive and sensitive means to assess one’s brain function as well as its performance.

Brain functional imaging, using EEG is one of the most sensitive tools to assess brain function.   To obtain even more information on how the brain is performing, we use CNS Vital signs, a computerized cognitive performance test, as well as measuring vestibular function and balance with a computerized balance test

The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center Triple Baseline Testing Overview:

Step 1: EEG Baseline

EEG is an acronym for Electroencephalogram, and it is the measurement of the brain’s electrical activity.  It is truly a functional assessment of how the brain’s neuronal networks communicate. Traditionally, an EEG measures just the outer surface of the brain’s activity, but with newer advances, called sLORETA, we are able to see the electrical activity of deeper brain structure as well. And with live sLORETA, we are able to see how the brain behaves in real-time, and compare it to a normative database.  After an injury, we can even utilize a patient’s past brain wave baseline as a comparison to see how far their brain has deviated from their pre-injured brain.  This is also a great way to tell if one’s brain has healed.

Additionally, Brain Maps are also generated with this testing, enabling us to understand how the brain is communicating, and the best ways we can intervene with therapies like hyperbaric oxygen, neurofeedback, transcranial electrical and magnetic stimulation, supplementation and more.

Step 2: CNS Vital Signs for Neurocognitive Testing

Next is a computerized neurocognitive test. This will measure one’s overall cognitive performance as well as details as to various aspects of memory, psychomotor speed, attention, and social acuity.

We utilize CNS Vital Signs for Neurocognitive testing. CNS Vital Signs is a world leader in the design and development of neurocognitive and behavioral software and is used by the US Military Veterans hospitals. It is also utilized world-wide by universities and the pharmaceutical industry to assess neurocognitive function.

In our office, a CNS Vital Signs computerized test takes approximately 30-45 minutes (depending on the number of areas being tested) and it can determine a patient’s cognitive abilities with a high degree of accuracy. The results of the testing indicate in which areas a person is either performing above average, average, low, or very low when compared to the normative database.

Step 3: Balance Track Testing

We use the BTrackS™ Balance Tracking System test. This test takes only takes 2-3 minutes. This diagnostic tool provides a baseline assessment against a normative database for measuring and tracking your balance. Good balance indicates the health of the brain and vestibular system. Following a neurological injury this is often affected. Testing over time helps evaluate healing.  This test also gives us information about your risk for falling.

As you can see, The NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center’s Triple Baseline Testing is very comprehensive.  We know of no other clinic offering such a detailed evaluation of your brain. This information is essential if you want a baseline comparison in case of future injury. It is also the first place to start when figuring out a customized program to enhance brain performance.


 

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