Free Concussion Baseline Testing ends July 31

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[July 30, 2014]  LINCOLN –When the head moves rapidly back and forth it may cause a mild form of traumatic brain injury called a concussion. Concussions are very serious injuries with potentially catastrophic effects and can occur in any sport or physical activity.

While most people with concussions recover quickly the symptoms can sometimes last for days , weeks or longer. According to the Center for Disease Control, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children and teens. Those who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another one and may find it takes longer to recover if they have another concussion. And one of the most important parts of recovery is knowing when it’s time to return to your usual routine or sport.

“If an individual suffers a second concussion prior to healing from the first one, a rare but potentially fatal condition called second-impact syndrome (SIS) can occur. It’s important to take concussions seriously which means not returning to sports until symptoms resolve. A baseline concussion test can more accurately help determine an appropriate return to sport time,” said Todd Mourning, Doctor of Physical Therapy and manager of the ALMH rehabilitation department.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is offering a baseline concussion test for FREE this summer to help protect local athletes. The ImPACT concussion testing program is a researched-based, scientifically proven method of concussion management. Any athlete over the age of 10 is encouraged to take the free, computerized tests that are being facilitated by ALMH ImPACT trained athletic trainers.

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The test takes approximately 35 minutes and is taking place at the computer lab at Lincoln Junior High School who has partnered with the effort.
Funding for the testing is provided by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation and a grant from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network.

Testing is available 9am-12pm and 1pm-3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, now through July 31, 2014. To sign up for the test, parents and athletes should call the ALMH rehabilitation department at 217-605-5500. On test day, individuals should not have any physical activity prior to the test. If an athlete is injured, the test is taken again and the results are compared to determine when the athlete can safely return to sports.

[Text received; ANGELA STOLTZENBURG, ABRAHAM LINCOLN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL]

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