Baseline ImPact Testing

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Baseline ImPact Testing
2
Concussion Scope

• Each year, U.S. emergency departments treat an
  estimated 135,000 sports- and recreation related
  concussions

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What is a concussion?

• Any alteration of mental function following a
  blow to the head that may or may not involve a
  loss of consciousness.
• American Academy of Neurology, 1997

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Concussion Signs and Symptoms

• Immediate signs or symptoms may include-
• Confusion
• Amnesia (loss of memory, forgetfulness)
• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea- with or without vomiting
• Unequal pupil size
• Unusual eye movements
• Slurred speech

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Concussion Signs and Symptoms

• Delayed signs and symptoms may include
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration ie. School performance
• Trouble with memory
• Sensitive to sound, light and distractions
• Loss of taste or smell
• Difficulty with gait or in coordination of limbs.

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Second Impact Syndrome

• Occurs in athletes with prior concussion
  following often relative minor second impact
• Has been shown to occur up to 14 days post-injury
• Athlete return to competition before symptom
  resolution
• Catastrophic increase in intracranial pressure
• Vasomotor paralysis, edema, massive swelling,
  death
• Most often occurs in athletes lt18 years of age
• Processes appear to differ in developing brain

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ImPact Testing

• It is a computerized neuropsychological test
  which helps to provide an objective measurement
  of how your brain is functioning.
• Helps to determine the severity of head injury
  after it occurs and when it is safe to return to
  play after a concussion.
• Helps in determining if activity modification is
  needed- school work, test taking, light physical
  activity.

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What you can do as a parent?

• -ask your child if he is having any symptoms
  listed in previous slides.
• -contact your physician or clinical staff with
  any concerns or questions if you think your child
  may have a concussion
• -speak with your team coach or other parents if
  you have any concerns if you believe a child may
  be showing signs of a concussion

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As a friend and teammate

• What you can do as a teammate?
• Tell your coach or any adult if your teammate
  seems confused, is slurring their speech, or just
  doesnt seem right
• Encourage your teammate to tell a coach or adult
  of any symptoms