ImPACT® Testing for Concussion

Sports-related concussion is a common injury in children and adolescents. Your child’s safety is very important to us, and we have taken steps to ensure that your child has access to the most up-to-date tools to guide their recovery from a concussion. Return-to-play decisions after concussion are becoming increasingly dependent on individualized assessment, including the use of neuropsychological testing. Proper management of head injury is crucial because repeated concussions can result in decreased neurocognitive functioning, increased symptoms, and at times, severe complications.

The ImPACT® Test

The ImPACT® test is a computer-based testing program specifically designed for the management of sports-related concussion. ImPACT testing is widely used in concussion management and has been implemented in many high school and college athletic programs. The test measures attention, memory, processing speed and reaction time. In addition, it asks for the individual taking the test to indicate the presence and level of concussion symptoms, if they exist.

Baseline Testing

Some schools perform baseline ImPACT® testing on students playing contact sports. If your child does not have a baseline test done at school, we can perform one; please speak to your doctor or physician assistant. If your child has a concussion, we can see him or her, review their history, and perform an exam. At that time we can advise you if ImPACT® testing is indicated.  After a test is scheduled, it is administered, you can review the results with you and your doctor and make appropriate recommendations.