In conjunction with the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, Pediatric Alliance offers ImPACT baseline testing at our Fox Chapel, Chartiers, St. Clair and Northland Divisions.  We recommend that your child be tested to determine his/her baseline BEFORE participation in most sports. 

What is ImPACT?

• ImPACT = Immediate Post-concussion
• Assessment and Cognitive Testing
• Allows doctors to measure the severity and effects of a concussion
• Helps determine when it’s safe to return to sports or activity after a concussion
• Developed by doctors at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program

 How does ImPACT work?  

• A 20-minute, computerized pre-season or pre-activity ImPACT test provides a baseline that’s stored in a computer Test measures brain processing speed, memory, and visual motor skills
• If a concussion occurs, ImPACT testing is repeated several times in the following days
• Post-concussion data are compared to baseline data to help determine when brain function has returned to normal, and it’s safe to return to sports or activity

Who can take the ImPACT test?

• Individuals age 10 and over
• Athletes and non-athletes; for example, hockey players, football players, soccer  players, skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, cyclists, cheerleaders, lacrosse players, and recreational basketball and softball players

 How can my child get tested?

• Make an appointment at a Pediatric Alliance office or other ImPACT testing location

 What is a concussion?

• Any alteration of mental status due to sudden and violent rocking of the brain inside of the skull caused by a traumatic blow to the head or upper body
• Occurs in about 10 percent of all athletes in contact sports
• Symptoms last various lengths of time and may include amnesia, disorientation, confusion, fogginess, headache, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes loss of consciousness
• Most people can recover completely as long as they do not return to exertion or contact play too soon

For more information please visit: http://www.impacttest.com/