When incoming freshmen athletes arrive on Michigan State's campus, they take a test called ImPACT, the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing to examine their baseline levels. If a head injury were to occur, the concussed athlete would take ImPACT to assess the severity of the concussion, Bratta said.
"ImPACT assesses memory, cognitive ability, and function of the brain," said Bratta.
After reviewing the test results, Bratta said the athlete may be cleared to begin progressing slowly back into their sport. They start with light exercises such as jumping jacks and biking, advance to running and finally back into practices and games.
Despite the technology, the biggest indicator of concussions is the presence of symptoms associated with them.
"If you still have the symptoms, we hold you back," Bratta said.
Right after the concussion occurs, the athlete is pulled from the event and given SCAT, the Standardized Concussion Assessment Test.
"Basically SCAT is a checklist of common concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and double vision. It also tests the athlete's balance," said Certified Athletic Trainer Yume Nakamura.
Dr. Homer Linard, a sports specialist and orthopedic surgeon who works with Harrison High School's football team said, "The major concern with letting an athlete play is brain injury which increases with recurrent events."
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