ImPACT Screening

Pediatrics at Livingston HealthCare

Every year, 300,000 people have a sports-related concussion. It's estimated that nearly 20% of athletes playing contact sports may experience a concussion. Although the majority of student-athletes who experience a concussion make a full recovery, there are some who may experience chronic difficulties related to recurring head injuries.

The best way to prevent permanent damage from a concussion is to identify the injury when it happens so that the athlete can have adequate time to heal before engaging in sports again. Livingston HealthCare has partnered with the Park County schools to improve the identification of concussions through the use of a program called ImPACT, short for "immediate post-concussion assessment and cognitive testing."

What Is ImPACT?

ImPACT screening is a simple and effective way to help identify concussions in student athletes and treat concussions more effectively. The testing process is voluntary and is not a requirement to participate in activities, but it is highly encouraged because it increases the safety of student-athletes.

ImPACT screening is a baseline test designed to measure a student-athlete's:

• Short-term memory
• Long-term memory
• Visual motor speed
• Reaction time

In the event that a student-athlete suffers a concussion, another ImPACT test may be performed and compared to the baseline. This can be used to determine the degree of impairment and assist in the treatment of the concussion.

For more information on how the ImPACT Screening process works, talk with your school coach or trainer or call 406.222.7231.