Nate Matthews
Holli Jackson
Sports Medicine, Period 4
November 4, 2016
ImPACT vs SCAT3 Essay
In an effort to compare and contrast the ImPACT test and the SCAT3 test I'm going to point out some similarities and some differences on how they are used to assess concussions in today's athletes. First off, the ImPACT test is a computerized test and the SCAT3 is a manual pen and paper test. The SCAT3 seems like it is a little less effective than the ImPACT test. And the SCAT3 should be used more for coaches to use on the sideline to assess athletes with a potential head injury. Let’s look at this in further detail and also look into why I feel the Mandatory 7-day return to activity protocol law is essential for today’s athletes young and old. …show more content…
As an athlete myself, we sometimes feel the pressure to get right back to work on the court or the field in fear of losing momentum or missing practice plays, being replaced, being made to look weak. This is simply not the case. I played for six months with a broken knee cap and had I been forced to get an x-ray before I was allowed back to play, it may have healed sooner and I would have avoided serious pain for years to follow. It may suck at the time a coach or doctor tells you to rest for 7 days, but your overall future health is much more important than missing a few days to make sure you do not develop any serious brain damage that can affect you for the rest of your …show more content…
It is important that parents and athletes know and recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion and take responsibility for their own assessments as well. The signs and symptoms of a concussion are often times very subtle and not instantly recognized. Some symptoms can last for several days, weeks or longer. Remembering that the most common symptoms after a brain injury are a headache, confusion and memory loss. The memory loss, may be followed by a loss of consciousness and sometimes not, typically involves the loss of memory of the actual event that caused the concussion, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is then essential that the athlete is under constant supervision during the initial 24-48 hours and that medical attention is sought immediately if symptoms present themselves in any
Holli Jackson
Sports Medicine, Period 4
November 4, 2016
ImPACT vs SCAT3 Essay
In an effort to compare and contrast the ImPACT test and the SCAT3 test I'm going to point out some similarities and some differences on how they are used to assess concussions in today's athletes. First off, the ImPACT test is a computerized test and the SCAT3 is a manual pen and paper test. The SCAT3 seems like it is a little less effective than the ImPACT test. And the SCAT3 should be used more for coaches to use on the sideline to assess athletes with a potential head injury. Let’s look at this in further detail and also look into why I feel the Mandatory 7-day return to activity protocol law is essential for today’s athletes young and old. …show more content…
As an athlete myself, we sometimes feel the pressure to get right back to work on the court or the field in fear of losing momentum or missing practice plays, being replaced, being made to look weak. This is simply not the case. I played for six months with a broken knee cap and had I been forced to get an x-ray before I was allowed back to play, it may have healed sooner and I would have avoided serious pain for years to follow. It may suck at the time a coach or doctor tells you to rest for 7 days, but your overall future health is much more important than missing a few days to make sure you do not develop any serious brain damage that can affect you for the rest of your …show more content…
It is important that parents and athletes know and recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion and take responsibility for their own assessments as well. The signs and symptoms of a concussion are often times very subtle and not instantly recognized. Some symptoms can last for several days, weeks or longer. Remembering that the most common symptoms after a brain injury are a headache, confusion and memory loss. The memory loss, may be followed by a loss of consciousness and sometimes not, typically involves the loss of memory of the actual event that caused the concussion, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is then essential that the athlete is under constant supervision during the initial 24-48 hours and that medical attention is sought immediately if symptoms present themselves in any