What is a concussion?
- A concussion is a type of a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
Physical Therapy@acac is an exclusive area provider of ImPACT Concussion Baseline Testing.
What is ImPACT Baseline Testing?
- Baseline testing is a pre-season exam conducted by a trained health care professional for youths over ten years of age.
Why is Baseline Testing important?
- ImPACT testing is highly recommended by medical professionals for youth involved in athletics. Results from baseline tests can be used and compared to exams conducted during the season if a concussion is suspected or has occurred. Along with additional symptom tracking and balance assessments, PT@ACAC can provide valuable information to health care providers to assist in proper and safe return to activities.
What does the test measure?
- Attention span
- Working memory
- Sustained and selective attention time
- Response variability
- Nonverbal problem solving
- Reaction time
Concussion Testing Forms
What is Albemarle County Public School’s Sports Concussion Management Plan?
- ACPS is committed to safe practice and provides a Sports Concussion Management Plan to ensure that coaches, athletic directors, Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC), administrators, volunteers, student-athletes, and their parents are aware of the short-and long-term effects of concussions
- Student-athletes sustaining concussions are removed from play immediately and referred appropriately
- Student-athletes who have sustained concussions are returned to play only after receiving appropriate medical care, adequate time to heal, and demonstrating no symptoms consistent with a concussion.
Read the entire ACPS Sport Concussion Management Plan here:
sport concussions.pdf
What additional resources are available regarding concussion education and management?
- To help ensure the health and safety of young athletes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents, and athletes involved in youth sports.
- Details on the initiative are here: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html