ImPACT Testing

     Student athletes are utilizing an innovative program called ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) through Marshall Browning Hospital. It is a computerized exam that each athlete will take prior to the current athletic season. If the athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury during competition, they re-take the exam to help determine the extent of the injury, the location of the injury, and when the injury has healed. The system is utilized throughout professional sports and has been mandated in the NHL. It is fast becoming the "Gold Standard" in recognizing and managing head injuries. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's (UPMC) Sports Concussion Program is the founding group of this software.

     The baseline exam takes about 15-20 minutes, is non-invasive, and is conducted on a computer. The exam is administered by Tim Davis, Certified Athletic Trainer for Marshall Browning Hospital. The program is basically set up as a "video-game" type format. What it is doing is giving the brain a preseason physical of its cognitive abilities. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, processing speed, and concentration. The exam has gained recognition around the world.

     If a concussion is suspected, the post-concussion test is then administered by Tim Davis and the information can be used to better determine recovery from concussion. The post-concussion test is paid for by most health insurance companies. The test data is given to a local physician or a neuropsychologist at UPMC to help understand the injury. The information is also shared with the student's family doctor and a sound decision can be made as to when return-to-play is appropriate and safe. "Up to this point, there has been no objective information to safely return kids to sports. This program will allow us to safely return kids to any sport following a concussion," added Tim Davis.

     Pam Logan, Director of Marketing, stated "this program gives us the best available information in preventing brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions." Marshall Browning Hospital will provide the baseline and post-concussion testing to any area athletes. For more information regarding the ImPACT testing, call Pam Logan at 618-542-2146, ext. 1433 or go to www.impacttest.com.