ALMH offers free concussion baseline test

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[June 22, 2015]  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 time to return to sport,” said Todd Mourning, Doctor of Physical Therapy and manager of the ALMH rehabilitation department.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is offering a free 35- minute neurocognitive 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.

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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. The test is required for incoming LCHS freshmen athletes. Children aged 10-14 are encouraged to be tested annually.

Funding for the tests is provided by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation and will take place at Lincoln Junior High School in Lincoln.

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.

[Angela Stoltzenburg, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]

 

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