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 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] |
