DMC Sports Medicine to Offer ImPACT Baseline Concussion Screening for Athletes Ages 12-18

DETROIT — High school football practice begins throughout the state of Michigan on August 6. In addition to the yearly annual physical, athletes in impact sports such as football, hockey and soccer are being encouraged to get an annual baseline concussion screening done before the season begins.

The Detroit Medical Center sports medicine department and pediatric concussion experts at the DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan are providing a full range options for young athletes.  An ImPACT baseline concussion assessment can allow for a quicker assessment and determine an athlete’s ability to return to play.

“The importance of this screening comes into play when an athlete has a likely concussion and the physician can refer to the baseline to compare it and better gauge when the athlete can return to play,” said Dr. Sadiq Haque, physician at DMC Sports Medicine who frequently works with the Detroit Red Wings. “This baseline test is an important tool and will help us make appropriate decisions so athletes can safely return to the field of play.”

The test measures an athlete’s short and long term memory, visual motor speed and reaction time. These results are recorded, and in the event an athlete suffers a concussion, a post-injury test is conducted and the results are compared to the baseline test to help determine the degree of impairment before a decision can be made for them to return to their sport.

A $25 fee is required at the time of registration. Athletes must sign up in advance and space is limited. Register online at dmc.org/concussion. ImPACT Baseline Concussion Screenings will be available at the following dates and locations.

About Detroit Medical Center

The Detroit Medical Center operates eight hospitals and institutes, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Sinai-Grace Hospital and DMC Heart Hospital. The Detroit Medical Center is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.