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Caring for your Student Athletes:
Concussion Management-
Having a Concussion is more that just a ‘bump on the head’. A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by a hit or jolt to the head. Another term for concussion is mild traumatic brain injury. It can cause a feeling of being dazed, confused, disoriented and/or brief memory loss. The individual does NOT have to loose consciousness to experience a concussion. The person may also experience changes in physical behavior or thinking abilities, which may vary for each individual.
Why is it important to be evaluated? Most concussions do NOT involve loss of consciousness. You can have a concussion even if you don’t hit your head. An indirect hit elsewhere on the body can transmit an “impulsive” force to the head and cause a concussion the brain. Also, functional symptoms of concussions typically do not appear on neuro-imaging studies, such as an MRI or CAT scan. Having one concussion also increases your chances of having another one. Research shows that the effects of repeated concussions are cumulative and can lead to other health-related issues, too. About 10% of all student athletes in contact sports experience a concussion sometime in their season. Recovery may take days or weeks, with individuals often experiencing dizziness, headaches, double vision, memory problems, irritability and depression. Premature return to play following a concussion can lead to potentially serious consequences. As with all injuries, proper management of concussion injuries is the first step in preventing serious, long-term complications. This is where ImPACT can help.
What is ImPACT Testing? ImPACT is a research-based computer test that is the most recognized computer program in the world, specifically designed for the management of sports related concussions, which evaluates the athlete’s thinking and functional abilities. It is a 20-30 minute series of tests that has been scientifically evaluated to measure the effects of sports related concussions. Conducting baseline and post-injury testing using ImPACT helps to objectively evaluate the athlete’s cognitive status to prevent the cumulative effects of concussion; it has been used by high schools, colleges, and professional teams.
Testing Needs:
1) An External mouse must be used throughout the exam. TouchPad and TrackPoint mice (typically found on laptop computers) should NOT be used.
2) If you are taking your exam on a laptop computer, make sure it is plugged into an electrical outlet and is Not running on battery power.
3) Please close any applications other than ImPACT that are currently running on this computer.
4) Please choose an environment that is free of noise and other distractions (this is extremely important so you have the best concentration
** If you have had a Previous Concussion at any time, do NOT use the link below, you’ll need to schedule an evaluation in person.
For initial testing, log onto the web site below.
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ImPACT Test for Baseline Testing Only
Concussion Clinic at Wake Med
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