An ounce of prevention...

Doctors offering tests to measure concussions Vernon — Advocare Vernon Pediatrics is promoting a new testing program called ImPACT, which it describes as “a neuro-cognitive test widely used among schools, sports teams, colleges and sports medicine centers.” The test is administered to teen athletes 11 and older prior to the season, and then should a child suffer a concussion, another test is taken and can be used to see whether there has been any effect from the injury. “ImPACT is a tool employed to both observe and manage concussions, as well as to evaluate recovery after an injury occurs,” according to a press release. “ImPACT helps athletes manage return to play decisions and avoid re-injury.” ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) measures seven different areas of cognitive function. There are two ImPACT tests, a baseline and post-injury test. The baseline test captures a child’s current cognitive function. The post-injury test is then used as a comparison to the child’s baseline test. The results are stored on a database; it is suggested that students who play sports take the test every other year. Advocare Vernon Pediatrics administers ImPACT baseline neuro-cognitive tests and Advocare Pediatric Neurology Associates in Morristown, Sparta and Summit offers both baseline and post-injury ImPACT tests in its offices. Post-injury test results are interpreted by Advocare Pediatric Neurology Associates’ physicians who are credentialed ImPACT consultants. Advocare Vernon Pediatrics’ board certified pediatricians include: Gurmit S. Saluja, MD, FAAP, Gurbir S. Saluja, MD, FAAP and Manmohan K. Saluja, M.D (board eligible). For more information on ImPACT, visit www.impacttest.com.