Concussion Screening Recommended for SAHA Players

What is ImPACT?

ImPACT = Immediate Post-concussion

Assessment and Cognitive Testing

Allows doctors to measure the severity and effects of a concussion

Helps determine when it’s safe to return to sports or activity after a concussion

Developed by doctors at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program

How does ImPACT work?

A 20-minute, computerized pre-season or pre-activity ImPACT test provides a baseline that’s stored in a computer file

Test measures brain processing speed, memory, and visual motor skills

If a concussion occurs, ImPACT testing is repeated several times in the following days

Post-concussion data are compared to baseline data to help determine when brain function has returned to normal, and it’s safe to return to sports or activity

Who can take the ImPACT test?

Individuals age 10 and over

Athletes and non-athletes; for example, hockey players, football players, soccer  players, skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, cyclists, cheerleaders, lacrosse players, and recreational basketball and softball players

What is a concussion?

Any alteration of mental status due to sudden and violent rocking of the brain inside of the skull caused by a traumatic blow to the head or upper body

Occurs in about 10 percent of all athletes in contact sports

Symptoms last various lengths of time and may include amnesia, disorientation, confusion, fogginess, headache, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes loss of consciousness

Most people can recover completely as long as they do not return to exertion or contact play too soon.

To schedule your child for the screening, contact:

Pediatric Alliance, Chartiers Division
13470 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Please contact: Lisa Cerra (412) 278-5100, x128
e-mail cerra@pediatricalliance.com