Importance of ImPACT
When children and teens sustain a traumatic brain injury (concussion), it can be difficult for parents — and even kids themselves — to assess the extent of damage to the brain. Symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the injury, and may be so subtle that they remain undetected by family, friends, or teachers. Some children and teens, athletes in particular, may downplay symptoms so they can return to everyday activities more quickly. Many children make a full recovery following a concussion. But others may experience ongoing academic and neurocognitive issues, especially if the brain isn’t allowed time to heal before returning to activities such as school and sports. Healing and recovery time is crucial to preventing further, and possibly permanent, damage.
How It Works
ImPACT testing provides an accurate assessment of post-injury neurocognitive ability in children and teens. A baseline test, taken before an injury occurs, provides pre-injury data on reaction time, attention span, memory and problem-solving. If a child then sustains a concussion, he or she takes a post-injury version of the ImPACT test. Results are compared with their baseline data to assess changes in neurocognitive function.
Children who have sustained a concussion can benefit from ImPACT even if they haven't first taken a baseline test. That's because ImPACT collects sample data from hundreds of children and teens of all ages. By establishing normal test scores for every age, ImPACT can detect post-injury changes when a baseline test isn't available.
Treatment varies depending on results of the test, as well as the severity of concussion (mild, moderate or severe). This may include days or weeks removed from sports or school, or discontinuing activities such as reading, computer use and text messaging for a period of time to allow the brain to heal.
Why It Works
ImPACT’s series of tests are very sensitive to the subtle changes in brain function that are not always detected by CT, MRI, or neurological examination. Though an effective evaluation tool, ImPACT alone should not be used to make return-to-activity decisions. Children and teens who have sustained a concussion should be examined by a healthcare provider and evaluated by a neuropsychologist if needed.
Testing Details
ImPACT consists of seven computerized tests that can be administered individually or to groups of athletes. The tests measure various aspects of cognitive functioning:
- Attention Span
- Reaction Time
- Visual Memory and Verbal Memory
- Working Memory
- Response Variability
- Sustained Attention and Selective Attention
- Non-Verbal Problem Solving
Results are evaluated by a healthcare professional with certification in ImPACT testing. If a child's scores differ — whether mildly or significantly — from their baseline test, we recommend they schedule an appointment with their primary doctor or Gillette’s Minor Neurotrauma Clinic. To schedule an appointment at Gillette, call 651-290-8707.
