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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Overview of Sports Concussion Treatments

A concussion is a serious type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head – or even a blow to the body that causes the head to jerk back and forth – that can change the way your brain normally works.

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreational activity and usually do not involve a loss of consciousness. In fact, what used to simply be called "getting your bell rung," may sometimes actually be a sports-related concussion. That'​​​​​s why it's so vital that all coaches, parents and athletes learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion in sports and what to do about it.

Baylor Scott & White Health supports concussion treatment and management through a variety of educational and clinical services, including providing ImPACT™ (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) for athletes.

ImPACT​™ Concussio​n Management

Overview and Features ​​of the ImPACT Test

Given the inherent difficulties in concussion management, it is important to manage concussions on an individualized basis and to implement baseline testing and/or post-injury neurocognitive testing. This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete's post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion. In fact, neurocognitive testing has recently been called the "cornerstone" of proper concussion management by an international panel of sports medicine experts.

ImPACT can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse, athletic director, team coach, team doctor, or anyone trained to administer baseline testing. ImPACT is the most widely used computer-based testing program in the world and is implemented effectively across high school, collegiate, and professional levels of sport participation.

For more information on how we can give you and your group a healthier advantage, contact a SportsCare representative at 817.296.5428​​.​

ImPACT Test Features

Test features include:

  • Measures player symptoms
  • Measures verbal and visual memory, processing speed and reaction time
  • Reaction time measured to 1/100th of second
  • Assists clinicians and athletic trainers in making difficult return-to-play decisions
  • Provides reliable baseline test information
  • Produces comprehensive report of test results
  • Results can be e-mailed or faxed for fast consultation by a neuropsychologist
  • Automatically stores data from repeat testing
  • Testing is administered online for individuals or groups
  • Compatible with PC and Mac

The test battery consists of a near infinite number of alternate forms by randomly varying the stimulus array for each administration. This feature was built in to the program to minimize the "practice effects" that have limited the usefulness of more traditional neurocognitive tests.

Cognitive Functions Measured

The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:

  • Attention span
  • Working memory
  • Sustained and selective attention time
  • Response variability
  • Non-verbal problem solving
  • Reaction time

ImPACT can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse, athletic director, team coach, team doctor, or anyone trained to administer baseline testing. ImPACT is the most widely used computer-based testing program in the world and is implemented effectively across high school, collegiate, and professional levels of sport participation.

For more information on how we can give you and your group a healthier advantage, contact a SportsCare representative at 214.603.3334.

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