The Sports Concussion Clinic is the only one of its kind in metro Detroit, taking a proactive and sophisticated approach to concussions.
Henry Ford experts know that concussions can alter an athlete’s quality of life, and can even be life-threatening, without a fast and accurate diagnosis that guides treatment and return-to-play decisions.
We also know the risk is great: Each year, approximately 10-15 percent of athletes who participate in contact sports suffer a concussion. High school and younger athletes are particularly vulnerable. Recovery time from a sports concussion varies. In fact, studies show that even mild sports concussions where there was no loss of consciousness and no symptoms 15 minutes after the concussion can take up to a week from which to recover.
Appropriate testing is necessary to know when recover has occurred. This is important because an athlete has the potential of having longer-term deficits or problems if they sustain a another concussion before they have completely healed from the prior one.
Sports concussions are an elusive neurological disorder that are difficult to detect. Common tests such as a neurological examination, EEG, or CT or MRI of the brain often miss detecting a concussion. Sophisticated computerized testing specifically designed for detecting the signs, symptoms and effects of sports concussion are considered the most sensitive and reliable in diagnosing a sports concussion and more importantly when an athlete has recovered from a concussion and can return to play.
What Is ImPACT
ImPACT (Immediate Post-concussion and Cognitive Testing) is a 25-30 minute state-of-the art software program designed to detect the presence of sports concussions. It was developed by neuropsychologists and specialists at the University of Pittsburgh and Henry Ford Health System.
How ImPACT Works
Unlike most hospitals that use conventional imaging technology, such as CT and MRI scans which do not detect concussion, Henry Ford’s Sports Concussion Safety Program employs proven, state-of-the-art computer technology called ImPACT to make a more precise diagnosis. Here’s how ImPACT works:
Who Uses ImPACT
ImPACT currently is used by athletes around the world, and by more than 1,000 professional, collegiate, Olympic and high school programs.
Henry Ford designs programs for individual athletes, and for organized high school, college and professional teams.
If You Already Have a Concussion
If you suspect you have a concussion, or have been diagnosed with a concussion and would like a second opinion, the Sports Concussion Clinic can help. Even without baseline testing, ImPACT testing allows us to make a more accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment and recovery plan.
Why Choose Henry Ford
- The program is fast and comprehensive.
- Our neuropsychologists and physicians are widely recognized for their sports concussion expertise. They frequently publish research in medical journals, serve as resources for media stories, and are invited to speak at international and national conferences.
- Henry Ford doctors are the official team physicians for the Detroit Lions and the University of Detroit.
For more information about the Sports Concussion Clinic or to schedule an appointment call 313-972-4216.
