ImPACT Concussion Diagnostics—Health Resources & Services For Parents & Students
PHS Boosters sponsors the use of the ImPACT program for PHS athletes, a user-friendly computer based testing program specifically designed for the management of sports-related concussion. ImPACT is recommended for all PHS athletes in sports with potential for concussion: football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, softball. It involves various cognitive tests of reaction time, problem-solving, and pattern recognition which are sensitive to brain dysfunction. The program is based upon approximately 10 years of University-based, grant-supported research, and is currently used by 29 NFL teams, 250 universities, and over 1000 high schools.
Baseline measures. Athletes are shepherded through a group testing in the PHS computer lab where each individual performs the ImPACT neuropsych evaluation on a standard computer keyboard, mouse and screen. With expert administration, the test is estimated to take 20-25 minutes each. Results are stored in the ImPACT system coded for each individual player. This forms the baseline against which post-injury measurements are assessed. Multi-sport athletes need one baseline.
Baseline testing for athletes in sports with the potential for concussion will be scheduled prior to or early each sports season. Athletes are required to bring a permission slip. Only one baseline test is required per athlete, so if an athlete has been tested earlier, he or she does not need to be tested again.
If there is suspected concussion, the individual will repeat the ImPACT test, probably in Stan Nakahara’s office. Stan Nakahara has received training on reading the test but may also consult with our neuropsych expert, Dr. Tom Hardey (see below), who will compare current performance with that player’s baseline and make a recommendation on whether further diagnostics are indicated and when to return to play.
Return to play decisions are made by the PHS trainer, coach, and parents. Dr. Hardey’s neuropsych opinion is a non-binding recommendation based upon the ImPACT test scores and his expertise with the instrument.
PHS Boosters Club funds the use of the ImPACT program and test administration. If Dr. Hardey is called in to read a repeat ImPACT test for suspected concussion, it is a billable service to the player’s family.
Thomas Hardey, Ph.D., ABPN is consultant to De La Salle High School, UC Berkeley, St Mary’s University, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and the NFL Concussion Committee. 365 Hawthorne Avenue, Suite 104, Oakland, CA 94609. 510.832.1259
Questions: Contact John White, JohnRichardWhite@earthlink.net 510.790.6578
