Neuropsychologist Dr. David Coppel helps determine return-to-play |
The return-to-play decision after a concussion can be very complex, but remains one of the most important aspects of concussion management. It is a key component in the prevention of more serious injuries as well. Research has shown that many catastrophic injuries are preceded by a perhaps-undiagnosed concussion, and in fact, could have been prevented. This is sad news indeed for the young athletes who endure life-altering surgeries each year as a result of a second injury to an already injured brain. Computerized testing is a tool Dr. Coppel has spent
the last 14 years evaluating Seattle
Seahawks players to ensure they are fit
to play after suffering a concussion.
The Seahawks are one of the few NFL
teams who do not use computerized
neuropsychological testing such as
ImPACT, Headminders, or CogSport, but
opt to take advantage of his expertise
instead. “There’s no doubt there is a
place for computerized testing,” said
Dr. Coppel, “particularly if your goal
is to establish a database, or baseline,
for all athletes in a school district.”
But he voices concern over the
administration and interpretation of the
results, which are so critical to
providing a thorough evaluation. “For
example, if an athlete’s ImPACT
post-injury test results match their
established baseline, that does not
necessarily mean they are ready to
return to play. For me, it’s a tool, a
piece of the puzzle, not the answer.” School districts consider neuropsychological testing for athletes ![]() Many school districts
are using computerized testing and Dr.
Coppel and the Seattle Sports Concussion
Program are working to establish
outreach services particularly to those
in rural areas that are lacking in
interpretive resources. Clinic Manager Patricia
O’Leary-Crutcher believes that providing
a link utilizing Harborview Medical
Center’s telemedicine technology is on
the horizon. “We are very excited about
the potential for off-site evaluation
and consultation. Particularly with the
more challenging cases, our staff has
had years of experience in making those
difficult return-to-play decisions.” She
added, “We really implement a team
approach to ensure we have enough data
to accurately assess each athlete’s
injury.”
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