US Lacrosse, ImPACT Concussion Management Program

Every year, players of all ages in all sports receive concussion injuries during games and practice. Characterized by an impairment of the brain’s normal function and caused by violent shaking or jarring of the brain, concussions may cause alterations in cognitive function, vision, eye movement, facial movement, or speech. Contrary to popular belief, and despite ongoing design improvements, no helmet in any sport can prevent a concussion.

The study and treatment of concussions in athletes has received significant attention in recent years. A revitalized interest in concussion management is taking place in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, and sports medicine.

Toward that end, US Lacrosse has formed a strategic alliance with ImPACT Applications, Inc. (ImPACT) to launch a formal Concussion Management Program for lacrosse players that offers concussion testing, education, awareness, and state-of-the-artstandards of care. Four US Lacrosse National Teams (Men’s National Team, Women’s National Team, Men’s U-19 Team, and Women’s U-19 Team) have also adopted the program.

A new online resource at uslacrosse.org provides a wealth of concussion information, as well as access to the ImPACT™ Baseline Testing Program, a computerized series of neurocognitive tests that help determine the extent and severity of concussions. This program is designed to help the doctor of an injured player diagnose the severity of a concussion and determine a safe recovery time after which the athlete may return to play.

The ImPACT™ program, the world’s first and most widely used computerized sports concussion evaluation system, has been utilized throughout professional sports.