Concussion care

Every concussion is a serious injury

Just like people, every concussion is unique and at Novant Health UVA Health System, primary care sports medicine physicians can perform an expert evaluation and develop a management plan. Part of this care plan can include:

ImPACT testing
ImPACT, also known as the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test, is a neurocognitive test completed on a computer that helps our team of healthcare professionals evaluate and manage a suspected concussion. This test measures aspects of cognitive functioning that include attention, memory, reaction time. ImPACT tests come in two forms:

Baseline tests are given before the start of a sports season, school year, or other physical activities. This form of testing is usually recommended to provide a more accurate representation of the pre-concussion cognitive state of individual athletes.

Post-injury tests are given when a concussion is suspected. The test results are compared to baseline scores to assess the severity of the injury.

Vestibular and cognitive therapy
Vestibular therapy is a type of physical therapy that can provide recovery assistance from concussion related symptoms such as reaction time deficits, balance and coordination, dual task performance, eye and head coordination and fine motor deficits.

Cognitive therapy is a Return to Learn program that can be valuable for a patient with prolonged symptoms after a concussion. It can help restore and maintain everyday functioning, which includes memory, processing speed and attention span.