Concussion Test (ImPACT Test)
*There has not been a full solution for this injury yet, even with all this modern science.
The impact test is a 25 minute computerized test. This test should be enforced by a school nurse, athletic trainer, athletic director, team doctor, or psychologist. The baseline test should be recorded for each person every year or two. When the person is suspected to have received the concussion they take the impact test again as a comparison to their original test when completely healthy.
The impact test performs these actions:
The test evaluates these main skills in athletes:
The impact test is a 25 minute computerized test. This test should be enforced by a school nurse, athletic trainer, athletic director, team doctor, or psychologist. The baseline test should be recorded for each person every year or two. When the person is suspected to have received the concussion they take the impact test again as a comparison to their original test when completely healthy.
The impact test performs these actions:
- Evaluates and measures the symptoms of the individual
- Measures visual and verbal memory, process speed, and reaction time
- Helps athletic trainers to make difficult decisions to when the player may return to playing the sport
- Provides accurate baseline test information
- Provides a detailed report of the results of test
The test evaluates these main skills in athletes:
- Attention span
- Memory
- Attention time
- Response variability
- Non-verbal problem solving
- Reaction time
Neurological Exams
Your doctor may want to perform a neurological exam after evaluating your injury with basic and detailed questions. The neurological exam may include checking your:
- Memory/Concentration
- Vision
- Hearing
- Strength
- Balance
- Coordination
- Reflexes
Imaging Tests
After a traumatic brain injury the standard test is a cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan. This takes X-rays of the brain in a extremely complex way and produces two-dimensional images of your skull and brain. The image test lasts about 10 minutes. The scan is NOT required.
You are more likely to need a scan if you:
You are more likely to need a scan if you:
- Are an older adult
- Fell from a height of 3 feet or more
- Were in a car accident
- Are under the influence of any alcoholic substance or drugs
- Are unable to recall the accident after it happens
- Having short-term memory issues
- Vomited multiple times
- A seizure occurred
- Suffered bruises, scrapes, cuts, etc. on your head
- Confusion
- If symptoms are getting worse