ImPACT Concussion Testing

A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Every concussion is different; symptoms and recovery depend on the nature of the injury, the patient’s age, and overall health, among other factors.

One of the best ways to evaluate a person’s brain health is by comparing post-concussion brain function with pre-concussion brain function. ImPACT concussion testing provides before and after comparisons that measure your memory, reaction time, and processing speed.

What is ImPACT?

ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is a computerized test that measures attention span, memory, and verbal and visual problem-solving. It takes about 25 minutes to complete.

ImPACT is used as:

• A baseline test to measure an individual’s performance baseline.
• A post-injury test to analyze against the baseline test scores.

ImPACT helps healthcare providers evaluate an individual’s post-injury condition and aids in tracking recovery. It can also play a role in the overall evaluation to determine when a person can safely continue pursuing their chosen sport.

ImPACT is not a diagnostic test. However, it does measure a component of a patient’s recovery from a concussion.

What Is a Baseline Test?

A baseline test is used to establish a benchmark performance score when an athlete or other patient is in their regular, non-concussed state. Ideally, the test should be performed before the sports season begins. The baseline test is valid for up to two years. A baseline test does not evaluate an athlete for a concussion, prevent future concussion, identify past concussions, or determine if they are predisposed to a concussion.

What it does is offer a pre-concussion picture of a person’s brain, which can be compared to an ImPACT test taken soon after the traumatic event.

More About the ImPACT Test

Besides ImPACT being a computerized baseline test, know that it takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. The test can be taken individually or with a team/group. The test results may help gauge when an athlete may resume play and assist in the development of an effective rehabilitation plan. To learn more about the ImPACT concussion test, contact Blacksburg Eye Associates today.

Our practice serves patients from Blacksburg, Radford, Christiansburg, and New River Valley, Virginia and surrounding communities.