Frequenty Asked Questions
What is a concussion?
According to the CDC concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. A concussion has also be described as a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head
Do you need to lose consciousness for an injury to be considered a concussion?
No - loss of consciousness occurs in only 10 percent of concussions.
How common is sports related concussion?
Between 1.4 and 3.6 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur each year, with the majority happening at the high school level, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Because many mild concussions go undiagnosed and unreported, it is difficult to estimate the rate of concussion in any sport, but studies estimate that at least 10 to 20 percent of all athletes involved in contact sports have a concussion each season.
How do I know if I have had a concussion?
A concussion can occur when an athlete receives a traumatic force to the head or upper body that causes the brain to shake inside of the skull. The injury is defined as a concussion when it causes a change in mental status such as amnesia, disorientation, mental fogginess, confusion or loss of consciousness. There are 21 symptoms that have demonstrated to be caused by a concussion. Loss of consciousness is not an indicator of injury severity. Traditional imaging techniques such as MRI and CT may be helpful in severe injury cases, but cannot identify subtle effects believed to occur in mild concussion.
What should I do if I have a concussion?
Allowing enough healing and recovery time following a concussion is crucial in preventing any further damage. Research shows that the effects of repeated concussion in young athletes are cumulative. Most athletes who experience an initial concussion can recover completely as long as they are not returned to contact sports too soon. Following a concussion, there is a period of change in brain function that varies in severity and length with each individual. During this time, the brain is vulnerable to more severe or permanent injury. If the athlete sustains a second concussion during this time period, the risk of more serious brain injury increases. In recent years, research has shown that even seemingly mild concussions can have serious consequences in young athletes if they are not properly managed.
Is there anything I can do to prevent concussion?
While there is no absolute way to prevent a concussion from occurring, wearing appropriate safety equipment can reduce the impact if there is trauma to the head. Other things that may help include learning proper technique and removing distractions that may lead to unnecessary injury.
Are there long-term effects from concussion?
Because no two concussions are exactly alike and symptoms are not always definite, the injury’s severity, effects and recovery are sometimes difficult to determine. The decision to allow the athlete to return to the game is not always straightforward, although research has shown that until a concussed brain is completely healed, the brain is likely vulnerable to further injury. It is critical to properly managing the injury and not return to play until the concussion has completely resolved. Researchers believe that if the concussed individual can avoid further injury until the symptoms of the concussion are fully resolved there usually is no long-term damage.
How do I Know when I have recovered from a concussion and can return to school/work and play?
Much of the recently published research includes data proving the usefulness of objective neurocognitive testing, such as ImPACT™, as part of the comprehensive clinical evaluation to determine recovery following concussion. Recent international sports injury management guidelines have emphasized player symptoms and neuropsychological test results as “cornerstones” of the evaluation and management process.
Is ImPACT Testing covered by Insurance?
Baseline testing is not covered by traditional health insurance; however, it is covered by some Employee Assistance Programs (e.g., C4HP). Post concussion testing and management is usually covered by traditional health insurance. The coverage and co payments vary depending on the specific policy.
What is the age range for ImPACT?
Normative data exists for people aged 10 to 60 years and a pediatric version is scheduled to be released in 2010.
How soon should a person be seen?
A person should be evaluated by appropriate medical professional as soon as possible following an injury that produces any symptoms of concussion. ImPACT testing should be done within 24 - 72 hours, but can be done later if necessary.
Information provided was from many sources including the CDC and the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine Concussion Program’s “Sports Concussion Fact Sheet”
