Concussion Info

Concussion Info

Every year, an estimated 3.8 million recreation and sports-related concussions occur in professional, collegiate and youth sports.1 According to the American College of Sports Medicine, approximately 85% of those concussions go undiagnosed,2 which means that too many athletes go back to the field too soon, risking greater injuries that could end their playing careers.

Learn how to better understand and identify concussions—and how to treat and test young athletes afterward to try to keep concussions out of the game.

Testing

For 15 years, ImPACT® has been using and updating a testing system that benefits more than 2 million athletes, soldiers and others. Medical science and independent research across the globe have validated the test and proven its success.

  • A 20-minute, sophisticated computerized test
  • Measures symptoms, verbal and visual memory, reaction time, processing speed and more
  • Provides objective, reliable data on brain function
  • Info can be stored, emailed, called up on smartphone
  • A vital tool in concussion care, return to play
  • Test given by certified athletic trainers, nurses and doctors
  • School officials can also be trained to administer testing

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Prevention

A protective helmet cannot fit atop the brain, so concussions never are completely preventable. But professional, collegiate and student athletes around the U.S. find reduced risks with an ImPACT® program that stresses education, evaluation, post injury management and care.

  • Baseline testing is an important safeguard and measure for post injury care
  • Program provides education, awareness and training
  • Concussion care extends from sideline to school/team to clinic
  • Gets your community, teachers and administrators involved and informed
  • Concussions can affect academics even more than athletics
  • Academic and social accommodations are sometimes necessary after a concussion
  • Post injury care is not just return to play, but return to health and school

Signs & Symptoms

First and foremost, a concussion differs from person to person. There is no one sign. There is no timetable. If an athlete shows or expresses one or more symptoms, ImPACT’s experts emphasize: Get them examined by a health professional trained in concussions.

  • Memory loss, such as athletes can’t recall blow/collision/injury
  • Balance or vision problems
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches: be wary if family has disposition for migraines
  • Fogginess and/or fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light and/or noise
  • In rare cases, nausea or loss of consciousness

Download the Sideline Assessment Card

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Treatment

ImPACT® follows a traditional, responsible, medically based program involving clinics, hospitals, certified athletic trainers, nurses, doctors and other health professionals trained in concussion evaluation and management. ImPACT® provides training, too.

  • Multi-disciplinary approach all starts with baseline test
  • Sideline evaluation of injury, removal from play/practice
  • Doctor, neuropsychologist, others examine athlete
  • Test, symptoms, balance (vestibular) all are assessed
  • Specialist/doctor suggests course of treatment, therapy
  • Ongoing evaluations, management, accommodations, care
  • Safe return to play/school

Download Best Practices for Concussion

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  1. Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol. 126 No. 3, September 1, 2010, pp. 597-615 (doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-2005)
  2. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): “Concussions: ACSM Issues Recommendations for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention,” Press Release, June 2, 2006