Concussions


Concussion Testing and Evaluation Letter to Athletes and Parents


Dr. Eddie Zant MD is offering all student athletes from age 10 and up a preseason, pre-concussion test to measure brain function. This test will help doctors diagnose a concussion and develop a treatment plan if the student athlete receives a head injury during play. The 20 minute computer ImPACT assessment will provide a neurocognitive baseline for these athletes. The ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) assessment measures brain processing, speed, memory and visual motor skills. The data is collected and stored for comparison in the event the athlete experiences a concussion. The test is used at hundreds of schools across the country and by pro sports teams. A baseline test is recommended every 2 years until age 18 due to the changing developments in the brain during this time. Baseline cognitive testing is recommended for the following local sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics, diving, and other contact sports.

After receiving a head injury, the athlete will take the ImPACT test several times to track recovery so trainers or physicians can determine when it is safe to return to play. Those who return to play before the brain has healed risk further, more serious injury. Loss of consciousness used to be the hallmark to say someone’s had a concussion. But only 9 percent of athletes who have a concussion actually have a loss of consciousness. Athletes who return to competition before their brains have healed are at higher risk for recurring concussions or a potentially fatal swelling of the brain called second-impact syndrome. 

The cost of the baseline test is $25. Once an athlete is concussed, insurance companies usually will cover testing and evaluation costs after the concussion. Please call our office at 850-243-8229 to schedule an appointment. The total time required for the appointment with testing is about 45 minutes. Thank you very much for your interest in this aspect of our children’s safety. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions. 

Respectfully, 
Eddie Zant MD



Videos Discussing Concussions in Athletes 


Mayo Clinic discusses the importance of preseason, pre-concussion Baseline Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). “Mayo Clinic offers baseline concussion Testing”.  

 

 


Preseason, pre-concussion ImPACT computer testing for concussion management. “ImPACT testing for Concussion Management”.  

 

 

 

Concussion Symptoms - Value of pre-concussion Cognitive Testing Baseline “A step ahead concussion initiative”.  
 

 



Concussions and Concussion Complications - ImPACT preseason baseline cognitive testing “Concussion & Impact test”.  
 

 



Athletic Concussion Discussion and Value of Baseline Cognitive Testing in Athletes “NFL on FOX: Concussion Discussion”.  
 

 

 


Articles on Concussions in Athletes


Cognitive baseline testing (pre-concussion) in student athletes (ages 10 and up). 25 minute computer test for comprehension, reaction time, attention and reasoning skills with immediate test results). 

"Baseline testing for Concussions gains Popularity for Student Athletes" 


"Expected Concussion Recovery Time is Matter of Guesswork?" 


"Florida should bench youth with concussions - March 2012" 


"Florida High School Athletic Association Concussion Action Plan" 
Note: Click on the Concussion Action Plan

"Consensus Statement in Concussions in Sport - Zurich 2008"