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When an athlete suffers a head injury, doctors say, it’s time to hit the
sidelines until symptoms are completely gone. A concussion, even a mild one, can
have a prolonged negative effect on the athlete, especially if the athlete
sustains a second concussion before he or she has fully recovered.
Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion, especially a mild one, can be very
complex. But now, specialists in Cleveland Clinic Sports Health can test
athletes who are suspected of having a concussion on a new software system
designed to evaluate their mental clarity.
ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) collects
information to help physicians better determine the safe return to active
participation and overall clinical management of concussions.
How it works: Before the season, athletes take a 22-minute computerized exam
– set up in a video game format – to establish their baseline score. If an
athlete suffers a head injury during practice or competition, ImPACT should be
re-administered. The ImPACT postconcussion test takes approximately 18 minutes
and will assist the physician in determining the extent of the injury, location
of the injury, and how long to keep the athlete out of practice or competition.
The post-concussion follow-up evaluations should be conducted within 24 to 72
hours after the injury to help in determining the severity of the injury.
Subsequent evaluations may be needed.
For more information on using the ImPACT program for your athletic team, call
440/899-5645.
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