Despite the bleak reports on concussions to athletes in the media lately, there is good news on the horizon. A new diagnostic tool has been developed by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine Concussion Program, called ImPACT, or Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (visit ImPACT here). The program uses computerized tests to measure brain function and appears to be just the thing to overcome subjective (and sometimes uninformed) sideline management of concussions.
Most parents and coaches are probably not aware of this new mechanism for evaluating the effects of concussions -- and that's why I'm writing about it here.
Dozens of professional NFL, MLB and NHL teams have signed on to use the program, as well as many schools, colleges and amateur sports associations. Athletes take a baseline test prior to the season and then are retested in the days following a head injury. The test helps pinpoint the extent of injury and accounts for the symptoms that a player is experiencing. For example, if you took a hit to the head in the area of the brain that controls speech, the test results might point to a reduction in language ability.
What I like best about this program is that injured players can't lie about or mask their results. Furthermore, doctors and coaches won't be likely to ignore the test's assessment and send players back into the fray too early. The guidelines of the ImPACT program state that players should only be allowed to return to play once they are symptom-free and their test results are back to the baseline levels. As such, the ImPACT program takes away much of the mystery in handling concussions and can help doctors (and coaches) treat concussions more consistently.
Parents should inquire whether their sports association has affiliated with ImPACT. Many national governing (Olympic) bodies, such as USA Hockey, US Soccer and others have partnered with ImPACT for the benefit of their members. Whether or not your association has an existing relationship, sign your kids up to be tested anyway, if possible. If your child has a head injury down the road, you'll be glad you did.
For an interesting interview on concussions and the ImPACT program from USA Today, given by Dr. Mickey Collins, one of ImPACT's founders, please click here.
Note: Neither I nor my company, Bollinger, has any affiliation or relationship with the ImPACT program.
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