Cogstate

FAQ Categories

• About: Concussions
• What is your customer satisfaction policy?

  Your satisfaction is important to us. Cogstate will provide a full refund to the original purchaser in the original payment form for unused test credits within 15 days of the original purchase date. If you are dissatisfied with your testing experience for any reason, we will gladly replace your used test credit with a new Baseline or After Injury test credit, We reserve the right to revoke this policy for those abusing it.

• What is Second Impact Syndrome?

  The term "Second Impact Syndrome" is usually used to describe a very serious and even fatal brain condition that may occur following a presumed second concussion, even if the injury is relatively mild. It is a rare and controversial disorder since it may be confused with other serious complications of head injury such as bleeding within the head or brain. Second Impact Syndrome is thought to be due to diffuse brain swelling and pressure within the skull compromising brain function. Whether a second concussion is required is not known, since some cases appear to have occurred following a single concussion. Incomplete recovery from a prior injury is thought by some to be important, as may genetic factors.  In part because it is rare, the mechanisms are not fully understood.

  Further research is required, but ensuring an Athlete has completely recovered in cognitive performance after a concussion seems a sensible precaution.  Having a best effort Cogstate Baseline test result available for a Healthcare Provider to use as a comparison to an After Injury test is just one tool that can aid decision-making about recovery and return to play.

• What is the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)?

  The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)  was introduced originally as a "scale of post-concussive symptoms." The questionnaire-type tool rates the presence and severity of symptoms that occur commonly after concussion. Like cognitive tests, the SCAT is designed to be administered prior to participation in sport and also after a suspected concussive injury.

  The SCAT includes instructions, questions for the Athlete and an evaluation of mental status. The Athlete is meant to fill out the symptoms checklist. There are 18 symptoms in the SCAT that are used for both Baseline and after injury assessments and which are included in the SCAT score. Each symptom is rated from 0 to 6, giving a total symptom score of between 0-108. There are another six questions for after injury evaluations only. This gives another possible symptom score of between 0 and 36. The total score on the SCAT is recorded as part of the medical evaluation. The instructions urge caution and the exercise of clinical judgment in interpreting reported symptoms and not to return the Athlete to play while symptomatic.

• What is the SCAT2?

  The SCAT2 is a newer version of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT). It was designed by a group of concussion experts in 2008. In the SCAT2, physical, thinking and emotional symptoms are separated. The SCAT2 measures 22 symptoms at both Baseline and after injury. Each symptom is rated from 0-6, giving a total symptom score of between 0 and 132. The SCAT2 also asks whether any symptoms get worse with physical or mental activity. A PDF of the SCAT2 is available in the Doctor / Athletic Trainer Resource Center.

• About: Axon Sports and the CCAT
• Who is CogState?

  CogState, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is a global provider of cognitive testing products and services that was established in 1999. CogState technology remains the backbone of Cogstate as indicated by the “powered by CogState” tagline. The CogState science team continues to oversee the scientific integrity of the cognitive assessments in the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) and also continues to conduct research and development in sports neuropsychology to ensure the Cogstate cognitive testing system remains at the forefront of Baseline and After Injury assessment for concussions.

  CogState (ASX: CSG) specializes in the development and commercialization of rapid, computerized tests of cognition (brain function). To date CogState has commercialized its technology in two markets--concussion management in sport and clinical drug trials.

  In the area of sports-related concussion, CogState's technology has been used by a number of highly regarded medical facilities, colleges and sports organizations around the world for nearly 10 years.

   

• What is the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool?

  The Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. It features two scored tests: Baseline and After Injury. Each test features four tasks that use playing cards. You may view a sample test on the home page. 

  Ideally, Athletes establish preseason Baselines. Repeating the same tasks After Injury identifies any cognitive changes from the Baseline performance. This helps indicate whether the brain has fully recovered. Healthcare Providers use the test results, along with the Athlete's reported concussion symptoms, in making decisions about when it is safe for Athletes to return to the classroom, practice or competitive play.

  About the Cogstate CCAT

• Why does Cogstate recommend Baseline tests for all Athletes?

  A Baseline test serves as an Athlete's benchmark. It establishes the individual Athlete's level of cognition at that point in time. Ideally, an Athlete will complete an acceptable Baseline test annually before the first sports practice of the school year, or in conjunction with a physical exam. The Baseline test can then be used as the comparison for any subsequent After Injury test and serve as an aid in determining whether or not the Athlete has fully recovered their cognition back to their Baseline level.

  Cognitive deterioration (indicative of a brain that is still injured) persists longer than other concussion signs and symptoms. Measurement of cognition is one of the techniques a Healthcare Provider can use to help determine when an Athlete is ready for the classroom, practice, or competitive play; that is, when an Athlete's brain injury is likely to have resolved.

  Cogstate mission is to protect and train the athletic brain. While not all sports are "contact" there are "collision moments" in many, if not all. We live by the motto, Every Athlete Every Year.

• Does the Cogstate CCAT determine if an Athlete has suffered a concussion?

  The Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) does not determine if an Athlete has suffered a concussion, nor does it diagnose any disorder. The Cogstate CCAT measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. Test results are used to measure and provide an estimate of an Athlete’s thinking at the time of testing. Changes in the Athlete’s cognitive performance can be due to many different reasons, so interpretation requires a Healthcare Provider, particularly after a suspected concussion where After Injury results are compared with Baseline test results.

• Does the Cogstate CCAT prevent an Athlete from sustaining a concussion?

  No. The Cogstate CCAT does not prevent an Athlete from suffering a concussion, nor does it diagnose any disorder. The Cogstate CCAT measures the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. Test results are used to provide an estimate of an Athlete’s thinking at the time of testing. Changes in the Athlete’s cognitive performance can be due to many different reasons, so interpretation requires a Healthcare Provider, particularly after a suspected concussion where After Injury results are compared with Baseline test results.

• Is the Cogstate CCAT a neuropsychological test?

  A neuropsychological test is a cognitive test that has been interpreted to inform about brain behavior relationships. These tests are given and interpreted by appropriately trained and registered neuropsychologists. Neuropsychological assessments are generally very detailed and can require anywhere from one to 12 hours to complete.

  The Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) can be used as part of this assessment. It is designed to measure the speed and accuracy of different aspects of thinking: processing speed, attention, learning and working memory. This information is not used to diagnose any disorder. It is used to provide an estimate (i.e. Baseline) of your thinking at the time of testing. Performance on tests taken at different times (i.e. After Injury) by the same person can then be compared to determine whether any aspects of your thinking have changed.

• How does the Cogstate CCAT measure thinking after a head injury?

  The Baseline test is a record of the Athlete's "normal" cognitive function (free from head injury or other medical, sleep or mood conditions). A Baseline test should be taken every year prior to the first contact practice of the sport season. If the Athlete is suspected of suffering from a head injury during the sport season, the Athlete can take an After Injury test and the results of this test can be compared to the Baseline test. A Healthcare Provider will be able to determine, based on the comparison of Baseline to After Injury test results, if there has been a change in the Athlete's cognition. If there are changes from the Baseline test, then a Healthcare Provider should determine whether or when the Athlete should return to the classroom, practice, or competitive play. 

• About: Baseline and After Injury Tests
• What is an After Injury test?

  An After Injury test is taken after a suspected head injury occurs and once physical, sleep and mood symptoms are gone. This test is identical to the Baseline test because repeating the same tasks after the injury identifies any cognitive changes from the Baseline test performance. This ability to compare results helps indicate whether the brain has fully recovered. Healthcare Providers use the test results (comparing Baseline to After Injury Test results) in making decisions about when it is safe for Athletes to return to play or to the classroom.

• Is there any difference between the Baseline and After Injury tests?

  Baseline and After Injury tests are the same test. The reason they are the same test is that the Baseline performance serves as the benchmark for the After Injury test results.

  However, the results are computed differently for Baseline and After Injury tests. Baseline reports show whether the performance of the Athlete was acceptable for future comparisons and likely to be their best effort. After Injury reports show whether there was significant decline in test performance in comparison to the most recent valid Baseline test.

• About: Taking the Test
• Will taking several Practice tests enable an Athlete to perform better on a Baseline or an After Injury test?

  The tasks in the Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) have been developed so that, after becoming familiar with the tasks, changes in performance reflect changes in thinking rather than improvements due to practice. 

• What if I am not familiar with playing cards?

  You do not need to be familiar with playing cards or even like playing cards. The cards are used as things for you to remember. The cards themselves change from test to test so there is no single set of cards (or any specific card game) you need to learn. More importantly, the results of any After Injury test will be compared to your own Baseline results. If you find the tasks difficult on your first attempt, we will expect that you will find the tasks equally difficult on your subsequent attempts and therefore there maybe little or or no change in your performance.

• Can you do the test if you are color blind?

  Yes. You can do the test if you are color blind. While some people who are color blind have difficulty telling the difference between the colors red and green, they can tell the difference between the colors red and black. Because playing cards are red and black, there will be no effect on the test taking abilities of color blind individuals. Keep in mind, the results of any After Injury test will be compared to those from your own Baseline performance.

• How often do I need to take a Baseline test?

  We recommend an annual Baseline test (make it part of your preseason prep before each school year). However, if you happen to miss the start of your school year or sport season, you should simply take the test as soon as possible. You will only need to take an After Injury test if you suspect or sustain a head injury.

• Can I use the Cogstate CCAT if I have been injured but have not taken a Baseline test?

  Yes. You can take the Cogstate After Injury test if you have not taken a Baseline test. In this case your performance will be compared to that of others who are the same age as you, and can be repeated to monitor your progress in case you are still improving after a head injury. Deciding whether or not you have returned to your own Baseline performance can be a difficult decision because comparing your performance to people of the same age is not as sensitive to true concussion-related changes in thinking as is comparing your After Injury performance to your own Baseline performance. It is recommended that your Doctor oversee your recovery after injury.

• What if I’ve had an injury to my hand/finger when I want to take the After Injury test?

  If you cannot play sports until your injury recovers, then we recommend that you do not take the After Injury test until your injury has recovered.

  If your injury is permanent or you are going to play sports despite the injury, then we suggest you take the test in a way that accommodates this injury.

  If you cannot freely use the fingers on both your hands, then you can take the test with one hand. This can be done using two fingers of the good hand that can comfortably reach both the “D” and “K” keys, in order to respond “no” and “yes."

• How does an Athlete know when it's time to take an After Injury test?

  After Injury tests are usually completed when concussion symptoms (what the Athlete tells us) and signs (what we can see) have resolved. Research results indicate that cognitive performance deficits are generally more sensitive measures than symptoms and tend to take two to three days or more to return to Baseline after symptoms have resolved. Your Doctor will advise you when it is appropriate to do the After Injury testing. Athletes should always consult with their Doctor regarding recuperation, testing, and the decision on returning to play.

• About: Test Results
• What does “acceptable” mean for a test result?

  An acceptable test result is one that is likely to represent the Athlete's "best effort" at that time. Checks are done on the test’s speed and accuracy results to ensure it represents the Athlete’s best possible performance. Comparison of an Athlete’s best performance After Injury is then a very sensitive way to detect changes from the Baseline performance. If an Athlete has not been able to complete an acceptable Baseline result after several attempts, then they should discuss this with their Doctor.

• How will this test show that I am ready to return to play or go back to my classes?

  The Cogstate Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT) does not indicate a return to play/return to classroom decision or time frame. It is one of many tools your Doctor can use in making a decision regarding your readiness to return to the classroom, practice, or competitive play.  The Cogstate CCAT does measure what you can't see -- it is designed to detect changes in your thinking on the basis of your After Injury performance compared to your Baseline performance. A change from your Baseline performance can indicate that there has been some change in your brain function. Your Doctor can advise you on when it is appropriate to take one or more After Injury tests and when it is safe to return to your normal activities.

• How will an Athlete know when it is safe to return to play?

  Doctors rely on several criteria to help them determine when an Athlete has fully recovered from a head injury or concussion. The Athlete’s symptoms must have resolved completely. His/her neurological examination must be normal, and this should include assessment of cognitive function and balance. An After Injury test may be used to assess the Athlete’s reaction times and cognition in comparison to the Baseline test to make sure that the After Injury score is comparable to the Baseline results before returning to exercise. Doctors will usually recommend a gradually increasing intensity of exercise to ensure symptoms do not recur prior to resuming full sport participation. If an Athlete notices that symptoms return, he/she should immediately stop exercising and consult with a Doctor.

• How will I know if my performance on an After Injury test has changed from my Baseline test results?

  Test reports are generated automatically once a test (Baseline or After Injury) is completed. In the case of an After Injury test, the test results will clearly indicate whether or not performance has changed from the Baseline test results. A green checkmark indicates that you have returned to your Baseline levels.

Contact Us

Haven't found the answer to your question? Please feel free to utilize the information below to contact us:

Phone

877-399-2966 (US and Canada)

01-800-681-9273 (Mexico)

Email

customerservice@cogstate.com

Live Chat

Address

2100 Stewart Avenue
Suite 201
Wausau, WI 54401