Margarite--

This test was developed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. I am currently being treated there and have had the testing now twice.

Since my concussion is due to an accident, I did not have my own baseline score. (Drs in our area are now pushing for athletes, especially high school and college to have a baseline test done, BEFORE the sustain a head injury so they can be their own comparison in the event of a concussion). However, they have a normative sample they can compare scores too if you don't have your own baseline to compare to.

I switched to UPMC's concussion clinic after 4 months with a neurologist without much support. So at 4 months, I had my first ImPACT test. I just had my second testing at my follow up, (which was six months post concussion). I am happy to report that 5 of the 6 scores improved over the last 6 months. (One stayed the same).

The test is challenging, and both times I've left feeling pretty terrible. However, I feel that it is a good measure. Not only in the scores it produces, but also in the symptoms afterwords. Before and after the test you are asked to rate a variety of symptoms. If you have a spike in symptoms after testing, it's a good sign your brain is still healing.

I have heard some people question the interpretation of results. However, my doctor is works in the same practice as one of the creators, so I trust his ability to interpret my scores!

So I personally see a lot of benefit from this type of testing and think it is a great tool for looking at the cognitive part of the puzzle relating to concussions.