Concussion Vital Signs

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Middlesex County Magnet Schools participates in a computerized on-line concussion test. This program will assist our physicians/athletic trainers in evaluating and treating head injuries (e.g., concussion). In order to better manage concussions sustained by our student-athletes, we utilize a program called Concussion Vital Signs. Concussion Vital Signs is an internet based computerized exam utilized in many professional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across the country to successfully diagnose and manage concussions. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury during competition, Concussion Vital Signs is used to help determine the severity of head injury and when the injury has fully healed.

The computerized exam is given to athletes before beginning sport practice or competition. Each test is valid for two years. This non-invasive test is set up in “video-game” format and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. It is simple, and actually many athletes enjoy the challenge of taking the test. Essentially, the Concussion Vital Signs test is a preseason physical of the brain. It tracks information such as memory, reaction time, speed, and concentration. It, however, is not an IQ test.

If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be required to re-take the test. Both the preseason and post-injury test data is utilized to help evaluate the injury. The information gathered can also be shared with your family doctor. The test data will be used in conjunction with the post-concussion mandated protocol. If an injury of this nature occurs to your child, you will be promptly contacted with all the details.

I wish to stress that the Concussion Vital Signs testing procedures are non-invasive, and they pose no risks to your son/daughter. We are excited to implement this program given that it provides us the best available information for managing concussions and preventing potential brain damage that can occur with multiple concussions. In order to better serve our athletes the directions to take this test are as follows. If you have any issues completing the test home please inform your coach. An external mouse is required for the exam and must be monitored by an adult to make sure a test atmosphere is achieved. There should be no distractions while taking this test (cell phones, TV, and no talking)

1. Access the Concussion Vital Signs website at http://www.concussionvitalsigns.com/

2. Click "Athlete Testing"

3. Username: mcvts / Password: athletics

4. Athlete ID: last name_first name ( Example: smith_john )

5. Click "Take the Test"

6. Confirm Athlete ID (same as previous page)

7. Fill out all required information

8. Assessment type: Baseline

9. Assessment: Concussion Vital Signs

Your child may need some help getting through the demographic area. Once the test begins your child will be able to self-administer the exam. All results are completely confidential and unable to be viewed by anyone other than the Certified Athletic Trainers. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Pede

Director of Athletics

pedem@mcmsnj.net

732-257-3300 ext. 1839