The Preseason Concussion Assessment Baseline Test is a test that is useful to gain a baseline assessment of various brain functions that may be affected should an athlete suffer a head injury. This test should be done prior to begining athletic activity each new season. The test assesses memory, concentration, orientation and balance.

Introduction

The Indiana Sports Concussion Network (ISCN) is dedicated to increasing awareness of concussions. The ISCN wants to educate athletes, parents, coaches, and members of the healthcare community about concussions and the serious consequences they can present, especially if the brain is not allowed to fully heal before returning to sport or activity. Proper management of a concussion is the best form of prevention.

ImPACT Testing

As one part of proper concussion management, ISCN utilizes the computerized ImPACT test to obtain objective information on the function of the brain. ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) provides a common tool which allows for effective collaboration between athletic trainers, coaches, physicians, and neuropsychologists in concussion management. Through baseline testing, clinicians are able to account for individual differences in cognitive ability and symptom reporting among student athletes. Again, ImPACT is only one tool in the management of concussions. Thanks in part to a grant from Indiana University Health Orthopedics, ISCN can donate baseline ImPACT tests to Indiana high school athletes. There are opportunities for those who would not fall under this grant to take baseline ImPACT tests if they are interested on an individual or group basis.

Network Affiliation

ISCN hopes to create a network of clinicians working better together to provide the best concussion management possible, regardless of individual clinic or practice loyalty. Many of these clinicians compete for patients, we want concussion management to be cooperative and patient care focused.

Contact Information

Indiana Sports Concussion Network

Phone: 317-571-8233

Fax: 317-817-1220

Email: concussion@methodistsports.com

Please contact us with any questions you have about concussions or the ISCN, or problems you may experience with the website.