Thousands of Americans suffer a concussion every year as a result of car accidents, falls, assaults or playing contact sports. While most individuals recover without difficulty, others may experience symptoms that persist for months or even years. Sports-related concussions are especially hazardous, because athletes often return to play prematurely. The consequences of recurrent injury while recovering from an initial concussion can be severe. Younger athletes, in particular, are at greater risk of suffering permanent brain damage. The Concussion Management Program is part of the Department of Clinical / Forensic Neuropsychology. John Heinz is only 1 of 25 credentialed Impact Consultants with UPMC.
| Concussion can result in cognitive and neurobehavioral difficulties, such as : | |
| • Headaches | • Fatigue |
| • Deficits in short-term memory, problem solving and general intellectual functioning | • Personality change (such as increased irritability, emotionality) |
| • Dizziness | • Sleep difficulties |
• Sensitivity to light or noise
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The Concussion Management Program at John Heinz Rehab offers an evidence-based program to assess and treat individuals of all ages who have sustained a concussion. We aggressively treat post-concussive syndrome by focusing on patient education, symptom reduction, and promoting a return to previous lifestyle and function. Evaluation and treatment of sports concussions focuses on safe return to play and reducing the possibility of second impact syndrome.
Programs and Services
| Services offered: | |
• ImPACT™ (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) Program to provide objective return-to-sports guidance |
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ImPACT™ (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) Program
In the past, determining when an athlete was ready to return to action after a concussion was often based more on guesswork than facts. ImPACT™ removes the guesswork.It is an objective computerized test that enables our brain injury experts to evaluate the concussed athlete’s post-injury condition, track recovery for safe return to play, and help prevent the adverse cumulative effects of “second-impact syndrome,” a second blow to the head while recovering from the first concussion.
The computer test, developed and researched by clinical professionals, analyzes brain functions such as memory, processing speed and reaction time. It also can be used to evaluate the severity of an initial concussion.
ImPACT is currently the most widely utilized computerized program in the world, serving high school, collegiate, and professional sports organizations.
For more information please call (570) 826-3771 or visit the web site at http://www.impacttest.com. Click on the Doctor Locator link and find a credentialed ImPact™ consultant.