Texas Sports Medicine Center
Sports Concussion Management Program
About ImPACT
ImPACT is currently the most widely utilized computerized concussion management program in the world and has been implemented effectively for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. This program was developed through research by neuropsychologists, neurologists and physicians at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test. It is a sophisticated software program developed to help sports-medicine clinicians evaluate recovery following concussion. ImPACT is a computer test that evaluates multiple aspects of neurocognitive functioning including memory, brain processing speed, reaction time and post-concussive symptoms. In addition, ImPACT provides a user-friendly injury documentation system that facilitates the tracking of the injury from the field through the recovery process.
ImPACT assists in:
- Protecting the student athlete
- Determining safe return to sport
- Preventing the cumulative effects of repeated concussions
- Providing objective data to help assess an athletes’ recovery
Test Features:
- Baseline Test:
- The base line test is a pre-injury measurement of an athletes’ cognitive function. Should an athlete sustain a concussion, post-injury tests can be compared to a baseline data and provide valuable information that aids in the return to sport decision.
- Baseline tests are recommended for any athlete ages 13 and up and especially for those who participate in contact sports.
- Post-Concussion Test:
- If a concussion occurs a post-concussion test would be administered 48 to 72 hours after the injury, and interpreted by a medical physician.
- These results are then compared with the baseline data to assist in determining the degree of recovery. Additional post-injury tests may be required until complete recovery has occurred.
- The test is Internet-based should be taken in a physician’s office. Please call 281-351-6300 for participating “post-test” physicians. The test takes 30 minutes to complete. ImPACT is not a S.A.T or IQ test, but evaluates brain function.
What is a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC)?
TSMC is a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC) for the ImPACT program. This certification is obtained by fulfilling the requirements established by the University of Pittsburgh Medicine Center’s Sports Concussion Program.
What if I have a concussion, but did not take a baseline test?
ImPACT has established normative data that is age and gender specific. This data can be used to assist in recovery assessment in the absence of a baseline test.
