NOW AT PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES...

 

We are now offering computerized concussion management systems for children 12 and older.  This test is called ImPACT and is the same system used by professional, college and amateur athletes all over the world.  Because children are more at risk for brain injury with concussions, we are encouraging baseline testing in all children 12 and older, involved in contact risk sports

Sports recommended for baseline testing include football, basketball, soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, rodeo, equestrian sports, soccer, baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics, skating, skiing/snowboarding, skateboarding, racquetball, handball and diving.

Concussion Recommendations for School Athletes

These athletes take an annual baseline before the season begins. The test consists of a series of cognitive exercises that measure reaction time, working and short-term memory, attention and decision-making. It takes about 20 minutes to complete. The baseline test may be done in the office, in the After Hours Kids Clinic (without the convenience fee) or on-line at home at www.sportssafect.com.  The cost to you is actually less, if you choose to take the test on-line from home, so we encourage this option.  Later, if an injury occurs, a repeat test may be performed and compared with the baseline exam. This helps the physician decide when it is safe to return to play after a concussion.

 

Statistically, about 10% of athletes have a concussive injury each season in contact sports. A repeat concussive injury is 6 times more likely during the recovery period and may cause more serious or permanent injury including death from Second Impact Syndrome.

 

The cost of the baseline test is $25 ($20 online through Paypal) which is payable by you at the time of testing. We are providing this test as a courtesy—this test is not a covered benefit under your insurance plan. However, post injury testing, which is also not a covered benefit, can usually be incorporated into the cost of an office visit and follow-up visits for concussive injuries.

This is strictly voluntary and is offered as a service to patients who are interested in the safest and most current scientific way to manage brain injuries in children.

For more information, visit our website at www.sportssafect.com.

What we recommend for children 11 and younger

Since ImPACT does not make a test for children 11 and younger, there is no baseline testing we recommend for these athletes.  The best thing to do for these athletes is to call and schedule an appointment if your child exhibits any symptoms of a concussion (note: your child may have only one or may have many of these symptoms; even a single symptom can be significant).

Concussion symptoms include:

Loss of consciousness (even if just for a second), loss of memory for any period of time before or after the injury, disorientation, dizziness, feeling dazed or stunned, headache, light or noise sensitivity, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, emotionality or irritability, numbness or tingling, balance problems, vision changes, fogginess, difficulty in concentration or with memory, feeling slowed down, sleeping much more or having much greater difficulty sleeping

Once your child reaches the age of 12, the ImPACT test will aid in the management of concussions; until then, we will still be able to adequately evaluate your child after a potential concussive injury and manage his/her symptoms while providing guidelines for safe return to school and play.