Impact and Concussion Testing

Concussions can occur in any sport or physical activity. As children and athletes of all ages are playing longer and harder than ever before, the potential for concussion (classified as a mild traumatic brain injury -TBI), continues to increase.

Fortunately, with proper management and careful return to participation, the ability to protect the long-term health of athletes is more effective than ever. The ImPACT Concussion Management Model promotes the highest level of care and a safe return to play for athletes of all ages, from younger children (ages 10 and up) to collegiate and professional athletes.

To get started, you can ask your school, team or club to use the ImPACT system and/or you can find a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC) in your area to take the baseline test. It's affordable and will provide peace of mind, knowing that if a concussion occurs, you and your school, club or team, and healthcare provider, will be well prepared to manage it effectively. Even without a baseline test, ImPACT's scientific approach and comprehensive data can take some of the guesswork out of when it's safe to return to play.

ImPACT is the industry leader in concussion management and trusted by teams and organizations around the world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the signs of a concussion?

Athletes generally report one or more of the following symptoms — headache, nausea, balance problems or dizziness, double or fuzzy vision, sensitivity to light or noise, feeling sluggish, feeling foggy, change in sleep patterns, and concentration or memory problems. Learn more at Concussion Signs and Symptoms.

Why should I choose ImPACT?

Concussion often results in measurable changes in brain function. These changes are often not visible to the naked eye. ImPACT measures subtle changes in cognitive functioning that cannot be accurately measure by relying on the athlete to report symptoms.

Athletes are notorious for hiding concussive symptoms such as headache, dizziness and difficulties in thinking. Recent research has suggested that athletes at all levels of sport routinely hide their symptoms so they can continue to play. Most experts agree that relying on athletes to report their own symptoms this is a dangerous practice.

ImPACT has been scientifically validated through over 15 years of university-based research. In fact, ImPACT is the most researched concussion management tool available. The information available through ImPACT can be valuable in assisting parents, teachers and other professionals in making decisions about the athlete's academic needs during the recovery process. ImPACT is particularly important in helping to determine whether academic accommodations are needed after injury.

How do I get my son/daughter a baseline test?

First check with your school or team as to when tests will be administered or visit Wyoming Specialized Physical Therapy.

What makes ImPACT different?

ImPACT is not just a software program. It provides a comprehensive and medically anchored model for concussion management based on currently accepted international guidelines and practices. ImPACT Concussion Management Model provides a complete framework for the overall management of concussion. This involves sideline based applications, graduated exertional testing and balance and vestibular evaluation.

ImPACT has undergone rigorous independent scientific validation over a 15 year period. No other neurocognitive test has undergone this process. Education and training is our primary mission. Through live workshops and web based methods, ImPACT has trained thousands of health care professionals over the last 15 years.

Will ImPACT prevent concussions?

No! Despite advances in equipment and evaluation procedures, concussions will continue to occur. ImPACT will allow properly trained professionals to track the cognitive status of athlete and help to guard against premature return to play.

Where do I go for post concussion evaluation?

Visit Wyoming Specialized Physical or click on the website for more information http://www.wyomingpt.com

What do we do after a concussion? Who should interpret the test results?

After a concussion is suspected immediately remove the athlete from play, 24-72 hours after the athlete was pulled from play they should take a post injury test. Coaches, school nurses, certified athletic trainers and athletic directors can all administer the post injury test. Although these individuals can administer the test a licensed healthcare professional must make the return to play decision (the individuals who can do this vary by state). The computer can then compare the results of the post injury test to the original baseline test. If individuals do not have a baseline, test they still should receive a post injury test. ImPACT has normative data that their post injury test can be compared.

The comparison provides six pages of information, which can be saved on a computer and emailed, or printed and given to the test-taker. After the computer compares the baseline and post injury tests, a diagnostic or return to play decision should be based on an evaluation by medical personnel in accordance with usual and standard medical practices in your state. ImPACT provides medical professionals an additional tool to help them evaluate patients; ImPACT is not a replacement for a medical evaluation.

If you are looking for a healthcare provider trained in ImPACT to interpret your post injury tests, visit our Wyoming Specialized Physical Therapy page.

When should ImPACT be given following a concussion?

We suggest initial evaluation 24-72 hours after injury. Consult a physician for interpretation of ImPACT test results. If ImPACT results are abnormal continue to refrain from practice and competition. The second post injury test should be administered one to two weeks after the initial post injury test. We strongly discourage testing more than once a week. Once scores have returned to baseline level and symptoms have resolved an exertion test should be performed.

How can I get the results from my school?

If you would like to get your data from the school, you can request it at anytime. Contact the system administrator from the organization. The school can provide a printout or PDF.

If my school uses ImPACT, does it mean we don’t need to use other healthcare providers?

No. ImPACT is a sophisticated tool that was created to be used by licensed health care providers. It should never be used by itself to manage concussion but should be used by trained professionals such as doctors, neuropsychologists as permitted by state law.

Can ImPACT be taken at home?

No. ImPACT is not designed to be an "at home" test and ImPACT does not support home based testing. ImPACT should always be administered in an appropriate environment (school, or clinic). All testing should be closely monitored by a professional who has undergone training in the administration of the test.

Is ImPACT available in languages other than English?

The test is available in 17 languages currently: English, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Russian, Mandarin, Finnish, Afrikaans, Hungarian Korean, Japanese and Cantonese.