Concussion Assessment in Burlington

Why a proper concussion assessment matters

Most people who sustain a concussion are told to rest and wait. And for many, that works — symptoms resolve within a couple of weeks. But when they don't, the difference between a generic "take it easy" approach and a targeted assessment can be the difference between months of frustration and a clear path forward.

A concussion can affect multiple systems simultaneously — your vestibular system, your neck, your vision, your ability to regulate exertion. A thorough assessment identifies which systems are involved so treatment targets the actual problem, not just the symptoms on the surface.

What our assessment includes

Your first visit at Burlington Concussion Clinic is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 45 to 60 minutes. It's designed to paint a complete picture of how the concussion is affecting you.

Detailed symptom history

We start by understanding your injury, your symptoms, and how they're affecting your daily life. This includes the mechanism of injury, timeline of symptoms, what makes them better or worse, and your current activity level.

Neurological screening

We evaluate cranial nerve function, reflexes, coordination, and cognitive processing to assess how your nervous system is functioning post-injury.

Vestibular and balance testing

Dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness are among the most common — and most treatable — concussion symptoms. We perform specific vestibular tests to determine whether the inner ear, central vestibular pathways, or both are involved.

Cervical spine evaluation

Concussion and neck injury frequently occur together, especially in sports and motor vehicle collisions. Neck dysfunction can drive headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances that mimic — or compound — concussion symptoms. We assess your cervical spine to distinguish cervicogenic symptoms from vestibular or neurological ones.

Oculomotor assessment

We test your eye movements, tracking, convergence, and visual-vestibular interaction. Difficulty with screens, reading, or busy visual environments often points to oculomotor dysfunction that responds well to targeted rehabilitation.

Exertion tolerance screening

Understanding your physical exertion threshold helps us design a safe, progressive return-to-activity plan — whether that means returning to sport, work, school, or daily life.

What happens after the assessment?

You won't leave wondering what's next. By the end of your first visit, you'll have:

• A clear explanation of which systems are involved and why you're experiencing your specific symptoms
• A personalized treatment plan with concrete goals
• Guidance on safe activity levels — what to do and what to avoid right now
• A timeline for follow-up visits based on your specific needs

Do I need a referral?

No. Physiotherapists in Ontario are primary healthcare providers. You can book a concussion assessment directly — no doctor's referral is required. If at any point we identify something that falls outside physiotherapy scope, we'll guide you toward the appropriate medical professional.

When should I come in?

Current evidence supports early assessment following concussion. You don't need to wait weeks or months to seek help. In fact, early identification of vestibular, cervical, or oculomotor involvement often leads to faster and more complete recovery.

Whether your concussion happened yesterday or six months ago, an assessment gives you clarity — and clarity is the first step toward recovery.