Impact Testing for Concussions – Credential Impact Consulting

What is ImPACT?

INFORMATION FOR TEST TAKERS, PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

1. What does ImPACT mean?

ImPACT® stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing.

2. What is ImPACT?

ImPACT is an objective tool to support trained healthcare providers in making sound return to activity decisions following concussions. It’s a computerized test that measures memory, attention span, visual and verbal problem solving. ImPACT has two primary uses: before the onset of an activity, a baseline test is conducted to measure the athlete’s performance baseline. In the event of an injury, a post-injury test is administered and compared to the baseline and/or normative data scores.

3. Why use ImPACT?

Neurocognitive testing is the “cornerstone” of modern concussion management. It gives healthcare providers objective data to evaluate a patient’s post-injury condition and aids in tracking recovery for safe return to activity.

4. Who is currently using ImPACT?

Thousands of high schools, colleges, and universities, thousands of clinical centers, hundreds of Credentialed ImPACT Consultants, hundreds of professional teams, and select military units choose ImPACT to assist in the management of concussion. Since 2002, ImPACT has served tens of millions of individual test takers.

5. ImPACT is NOT:

• A diagnostic test. ImPACT is one tool that can be used by medical professionals to help measure an individual’s recovery from a concussion.
• A one step solution to concussions.
• A preventative tool. Nothing can truly prevent concussions.

• A substitute for medical treatment or management.
• A replacement for a cat scan, MRI or other medical technology.

More information about the Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC) Program can be found here and Dr. Chen’s profile here.