Concussion Management

A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head.

In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussion is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season.

Statistics such as these are exactly why Rachelle Giroux, RN, manager of trauma services at Salina Regional Health Center began leading the ImPACT testing initiative by educating local and regional coaches, trainers and physicians on the importance of ImPACT baseline testing and about the new School Sports Head Injury Prevention Act, which requires that schools educate athletes, parents and coaches about the dangers posed by concussions. The new law also requires that any athlete suffering or suspected of suffering a concussion be removed from play or practice immediately and requires written permission from a doctor to play or practice.

ImPACT

ImPACT testing involves computer-based tests that measure a person’s memory, ability to process visual information and other factors.

ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. By taking the ImPACT test and establishing a baseline test prior to an injury, physicians are able to compare between baseline and post injury results.

ImPACT can be administered by an athletic trainer, school nurse, athletic director, team doctor or psychologist, provided that they have completed training in the administration of the test.

Post-concussion care and the management of concussion should be administered by professionals with specialized training in concussion management.

Concussion Management

• Concussion Information (For Athletes and Parents)
• ImPACT Education Training (For Coaches, Trainers, Physicians and other Professionals)