How does taking the ImPACT
test help?

Athletes sometimes hide the fact that they have symptoms because they want to return to play, or because they do not recognize symptoms that may be important.  However, they cannot hide their performance on the ImPACT neurocognitive test.  Taking the test therefore provides much better assurance to medical doctors, parents and coaches that an athlete is fully recovered and ready for safe return to play.

Sometimes athletes have a number of concussions over a few seasons, or even within one season.  Research has shown that over time there can be gradual permanent decline in some intellectual functions after many concussions, although this does not happen in all cases.  Repeat testing with the ImPACT test at the beginning of each season, and after a concussion enables an ImPACT credentialed psychologist to see when this is starting to happen to a particular individual, and provide recommendations about future sports participation in order to stop any further decline before it has any harmful study or life consequences.

Taking the ImPACT test therefore provides athletes and their parents with a greater sense of security and peace of mind about participating in a sport where there is a high risk of sustaining a concussion.