Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is the most widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion management tool available. The test provides a concussion management professional information about memory, processing speed and reaction time prior to trauma, and provides objective information that assists in the management of the athlete during recovery and return to play/learning.
Once you complete your registration, you will receive an email from ImPACT Applications that will provide you with a link to complete your baseline concussion test.
If you do not receive the email within 24 hours or would like to discuss an in-person consultation, please call us at 703-970-6427 and ask for either Brett Gustman or Eric Castor.
Why athletes should have baseline concussion testing
Concussion baseline testing is recommended for active individual between the age of 5-59 years old. Although your child may not experience a concussion, it is important to prepare and obtain a baseline to establish individualized data which allows physicians to better manage concussion if it does occur. Generally, it is recommended that a concussion baseline be established prior to the season but baseline testing can be completed at any point during the season.
Concussion baseline testing is offered individually as well as in a group setting. Interested in scheduling your team or group? Register online or contact the Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Hotline at 703-970-6427 or email IMGSportsMedicine@inova.org.
Have questions about concussion baseline testing?
The testing session includes administration of a computerized neurocognitive test (ImPACT). There is no physical testing involved with a baseline ImPACT assessment.
The baseline test is recommended for any active person (parents, coaches, etc.) age 5 and above. Baseline information is important to have after a concussion, even if the injury didn’t happen during sports (i.e. home, playground, automobile, etc.).
Until age 13, players should get a new baseline every year. When 14 and older, a new baseline is recommended every two years.
The baseline ImPACT for ages 5-9 typically takes 25-30 minutes while testing for ages 10 and above typically takes 35-40 minutes.
After completing ImPACT a unique Passport ID# is generated and can be used by any ImPACT trained provider to access the baseline test data. Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose and treat a concussion. When a concussion is suspected, it is important to understand that ImPACT is not a diagnostic or sideline assessment tool nor one that is used in the emergency department or urgent care setting. ImPACT is used as one aspect of a comprehensive clinical assessment during post-injury concussion management 48-72 hours or more after injury.
The Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program offers individual and group baseline testing opportunities.
- Call 703-970-6427 to schedule in-office sessions for ages 5-10
- View available sessions for ages 11+
Watch and learn from our FREE online concussion education videos for athletes, parents and coaches.
The Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program has a 24/7 hotline (703-970-6427) staffed by a concussion specialist to answer questions, provide real-time feedback and assist with scheduling concussion appointments.
The medical professionals within the Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program create return-to-play guidelines for the each athlete and sport. This ensures the most up-to-date information and recommendations are followed after injury. Once an individualized plan is developed the next on- and off-field/court/ice steps can be initiated by the Inova Sports Medicine athletic trainer, an appropriate coach or injury liaison.