A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
Concussions are very difficult to diagnose and symptoms may not appear immediately. Children, teens, and athletes of any age or level may be reluctant to admit or address the possibility of a concussion, either because the effects are so subtle or because they may want to return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
Today, play of all types is harder and faster, resulting in a steady incline in concussion rates estimated at 4-5 million annually – including an emerging trend among younger middle school athletes. In addition, because of a greater awareness of the long-term medical effects of concussions, legislation in almost every state across the U.S. is driving greater accountability for the management of concussions.
For more information, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers comprehensive resources about concussions.
ImPACT addresses the need for an accurate, medically accepted assessment system that is used as part of an overall concussion management protocol. This Model builds partnerships with healthcare professionals and athletic trainers to offer training and resources for affordable concussion management. ImPACT benefits athletes at all levels of play, from professional sports teams to students and their parents.
Currently, more than 10,000 medical professionals have been trained by ImPACT on concussion management and the ImPACT Program. ImPACT is in use by the majority of teams in MLB, NHL, NFL and WWE. ImPACT and its products continue to evolve by incorporating the latest advancements in neurocognitive science and in technology for portability and ease of use. In addition, ImPACT is constantly expanding educational resources and tools to raise awareness regarding the importance of proper concussion management. Proof of ImPACT’s clinical value can be found in more than a thousand clinics and hospitals throughout the United States and elsewhere. The ImPACT Test is a fundamental element of ImPACT’s overall approach to concussion management.
The ImPACT™ Test is:
- One important piece of the overall concussion evaluation and management process.
- A sophisticated test of cognitive abilities.
- The most scientifically researched concussion management tool.
- A tool that can help healthcare professionals track recovery of cognitive processes following concussion.
- A tool to help communicate post-concussion status to athletes, coaches, parents, clinicians.
- A tool that helps healthcare professionals and educators make decisions about academic needs following concussion.
For More Information call 217-228-2323 or stop by our concussion clinic at the 1118 Hampshire building Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. or Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.