ImPACT Testing
The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is a computer-based assessment tool designed to aid in the evaluation and management of concussions. It consists of a series of tasks and measures that assess multiple cognitive domains, such as verbal and visual memory, reaction time, and processing speed.
During an impact test, individuals are typically asked to complete a series of cognitive tasks, such as recalling words, matching shapes, and responding to stimuli on the screen. The test results are then compared to baseline scores, which are established before an individual experiences a head injury, to determine if there are any significant changes in cognitive function.
Impact testing can be useful in several ways:
- Diagnosis: Impact testing can help healthcare professionals diagnose concussions and other forms of mild traumatic brain injury by identifying changes in cognitive function compared to baseline scores.
- Monitoring: Impact testing can be used to monitor an individual's cognitive recovery following a TBI, allowing healthcare professionals to track progress over time and make informed decisions about return-to-play or return-to-activity protocols.
- Treatment Planning: The results of impact testing can inform treatment planning and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with TBIs, helping to tailor interventions to address specific cognitive deficits.
- Research: Impact testing data can also be used for research purposes to better understand the effects of TBIs on cognitive function and to identify potential risk factors or predictors of long-term outcomes.