All student-athletes who participate in county sponsored sports (excludes ice hockey and crew) must take a baseline concussion test every other year, ideally as rising freshmen and juniors.
What is the concussion test?
Developed by clinical experts who pioneered the field, ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. ImPACT provides trained clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools and services that have been medically accepted as state-of-the-art best practices — as part of determining safe return to play decisions.
The ImPACT Test is:
- One important piece of the overall concussion evaluation and management process.
- A sophisticated test of cognitive abilities.
- The most scientifically researched concussion management tool.
- A tool that can help health care professionals track recovery of cognitive processes following concussion.
- A tool to help communicate post-concussion status to athletes, coaches, parents, clinicians.
- A tool that helps health care professionals and educators make decisions about academic needs following concussion.
Montgomery County Procedures for Testing:
- Each student-athlete takes a baseline concussion test. Tests are valid for two academic years. For example, a student-athlete tested during his/her freshman year wouldn’t have to take the test again until his/her junior year.
- The baseline test establishes a standard or “baseline” cognitive profile of the student-athlete in a non-concussed state.
- If a student-athlete suffers a concussion, upon request of the parent or physician, a post-injury test will be administered at the school. The post-injury test is free of charge.
- Student-athletes suffering concussions are not required to be retested in order to resume participation. However, a concussed student-athlete must receive written clearance from a physician, physician’s assistant, neuropsychologist or nurse practitioner in order to begin the Six Step Return to Play Protocol.
In order to be tested, all student-athletes must present the signed MCPS parent consent form available by clicking here.
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY FOR TESTING! Click here for the testing schedule.