Patients: What to Expect on Testing Day

Who this is for: Written for patients whose provider has referred them for testing and who want to know what the visit is like.

Before your appointment

Your treating provider's office will give you the date and time, and testing happens at their office, a place you already know. The night before, get your usual amount of sleep. On the day, eat a normal meal, take your regular medications unless your provider tells you otherwise and arrive with clean, dry hair, without heavy products. Bring your glasses or contacts, a list of your medications and any notes about symptoms since the accident.

Accurate results help your provider help you.

When you arrive

Check in at the front desk as usual. A Braintree technician will greet you, explain what will happen and answer your questions in a quiet room with a chair and a table. If you are feeling unwell, did not sleep or have a bad headache, say so. It is important information, and sometimes rescheduling is better. The visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

During the tests

You may follow a moving target with your eyes while a system records your eye movements, do short computer exercises that measure attention, memory and reaction time, sit quietly while scalp sensors record brain activity and answer questions about your symptoms. Nothing involves needles, injections or radiation. If a task makes your symptoms flare, say so and take a break.

Related in this series: Testing Day Preparation Checklist, FAQ for Patients and Patient & Family Resource Center. For the full overview, start with our guide, Concussion After a Crash.

How to do your best

Try your best and answer honestly. There is nothing to study; the tests measure how you are doing right now. Do not try to look better or worse than you feel. Accurate results help your provider help you.

There is no pass or fail. The results describe how you are functioning so your provider can help.

After the tests

You can usually return to your normal day. You will not get results on the spot. A neurologist interprets them first, and your treating provider then receives a copy, typically within 48 hours, or typically 7–10 days if labs are involved. Your provider will go over it with you and talk about next steps.

Common worries

• What if I do badly? There is no pass or fail. The results describe how you are functioning.
• Will it make my symptoms worse? Some tasks can be tiring. Breaks are available, and most people feel fine afterward.
• Who will see my results? Your report becomes part of your medical record, which privacy rules protect.
• Can I bring someone? Yes. They may be asked to wait outside during some tasks so you are not distracted.