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It only takes a mild concussion to injure your child’s brain. Without ImPACT® testing, the concussion can take months to heal and lead to complications.
ImPACT® testing quickly reveals the effect of your child’s concussion, allowing our THINK Neurology for Kids Team — Shaun S. Varghese, MD, Cristina R. Marchesano, MD, Lorena Herbert, MD, Barbara Kiersz-Mueller, DO, Lauren Weaver, MD, Alicia Walls, MD, Sundeep Mandava, MD, Patricia DeForest DO, Jennifer E. Martin, CPNP-PC, Tammy DeLaGarza, FNP-C, Heather King, CPNP-PC, and Robby Korah, FNP-C — to determine the best treatment and support your child’s complete recovery.
Purpose of ImPACT testing
ImPACT® is an FDA-approved tool for assessing and managing concussions. The computerized test measures the brain functions affected by a concussion, including your child’s:
- Attention span
- Reaction time
- Working memory
- Nonverbal problem solving
- Sustained and selective attention time
Your child completes ImPACT’s baseline screening before they have a concussion-causing injury. This test provides scores representing healthy brain function.
They take the same test after an injury or when their symptoms suggest a concussion. We compare the results to determine the concussion’s impact on your child’s brain.
Types of ImPACT assessments
There are three ImPACT assessments: the teen and adult version, one specially designed for children aged 5-11 (ImPACT Pediatric), and a third called the ImPACT Quick Test.
The pediatric test uses language and tasks suited for young children. Though it seems like a game (nearly 9 out of 10 kids say the test was fun), it measures the same cognitive functions as the adult version.
The quick test is used immediately after an injury that could cause a concussion. This shorter evaluation only takes 5-7 minutes, compared to 20-25 minutes for a complete test, measuring fewer cognitive functions but still providing enough information to decide if your child can stay in the game.
Why your child needs ImPACT testing
Concussions can easily occur in all active children. Many parents choose to prepare for potential head injuries and ensure their child gets optimal medical care by scheduling baseline testing.
ImPact testing is essential if your child plays sports, especially if they’re involved in contact sports like soccer, football, lacrosse, and basketball.
Every year, there are 2-3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions, and two out of 10 high school athletes playing contact sports will have at least one concussion.
The benefits of ImPACT testing include:
1. Determining the impact on your child’s brain
A mild concussion with minimal symptoms can still bruise the brain, damage the nerves, and affect memory and cognitive function. ImPACT testing reveals the extent of the brain’s injury.
2. Delivering fast treatment
The faster we identify and treat a concussion, the sooner the brain heals, and your child can return to their activities.
3. Preventing complications
Prompt treatment customized for the severity of their brain injury lowers the risk of post-concussion syndrome (symptoms lasting several months or longer) and having a second concussion.
While the brain heals, it’s vulnerable to a repeat concussion. This condition, second impact syndrome, is dangerous and can cause brain swelling and serious damage.
4. Monitoring your child’s recovery
Running additional ImPACT testing as your child recovers shows us when their brain has healed and if it’s safe for them to return to their athletics.
When to schedule ImPACT testing
Here’s when to schedule baseline screening and a post-injury assessment:
Baseline screening
You should schedule baseline screening as soon as your child is old enough, at the beginning of the school year, or before the team starts practice.
Your school district may or may not require baseline screening for student athletes. Even if they don’t, ImPACT testing is the best way to protect your child’s brain health.
Post-injury assessments
Parents should schedule a post-injury ImPACT assessment as soon as possible after their child’s injury or when symptoms appear.
However, don’t wait for symptoms if you know your child banged their head. Concussion symptoms can be delayed for days or longer — precious time in which your child could begin treatment.
Connect with our team for help
Call THINK Neurology for Kids if you have any concerns about concussions or want to learn more about ImPACT testing.
Schedule an appointment through online booking or call the office located in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Lakeway, San Antonio, and Lake Jackson, Texas.