Head Injuries: The ImPACT™ Program is now available at Granite Medical Group
About Sports-related Concussions
As many as 500,000 sports related concussions or Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI) are diagnosed each year in the United States. Risk for MTBI is inherent to participation in sports and recreational activities. In addition many MTBI occur as the result of non sports related injuries.
Concussion can be accompanied by an array of immediate symptoms including headache, vomiting, dizziness and fatigue. There can also be more long-term consequences to traumatic head injury including memory, concentration issues and depression.
If a patient with a concussion returns to physical activity, school or work before the brain has recovered, they are at higher risk for worsening of their symptoms and further more serious injury. Granite Medical has implemented a state-of-the-art concussion management program to measure head injury recovery for our patients. The ImPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) neurocognitive testing program is a computerized exam utilized by most professional, collegiate and high school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. The 30 minute test is administered at the office and is an invaluable tool in objectively evaluating the concussed patient’s post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to sports, school or work. Neurocognitive testing has been recently called the “cornerstone” of proper concussion management by an international panel of sports medicine and neurologic specialists.
About the ImPACT test
The ImPACT test is a non-invasive memory test that is much like a video game. The testing and evaluation is covered by all major Massachusetts' health insurers. I have used the program for over 10 years and have certification as a credentialed ImPACT consultant. The online testing is valid for patients age 11 to 65 years old and can be administered here at Granite as part of a concussion evaluation.
I can work with primary care providers to help determine if a patient with MTBI is ready to return to work, school or sports. Granite Medical Group nurse practitioners Mary Hopwood and Marilyn Green have also begun training in the use of the ImPACT program.
We are excited to bring this valuable diagnostic tool to our patients at Granite Medical.