SportsSafe

     SportsSafe Concussion Testing is an Austin, Texas-based company administering pre and post neurocognitive testing for athletes in contact or higher risk sports to safely manage return to play after concussive brain injuries.

     We use the computer testing and database of a national company called ImPACT which is used by many professional sports teams, Olympic teams, all three U.S. Military Academies, and over 1,200 high schools, colleges and universities across the country.  Although baseline testing of athletes is preferred, because of the large database of the ImPACT test, it is still helpful and reliable to use post injury testing to safely return athletes to play.   

Concussion Testing

     Neurocognitive testing is considered to be the best and safest way to evaluate concussive injuries to the brain and return athletes to play in a safe and timely manner.  Although widely available at the professional and collegiate level for some time, it is only beginning to be easily available to school-aged athletes, 12 years of age and up.

     We are the first Austin company to offer widespread pre-injury baseline testing for school teams and to offer post-injury testing and evaluation for safe return to play.  We are able to offer convenient in-school testing for athletes and post-injury testing, seven days a week, including evening evaluations.  We are conveniently located in central Austin just off MoPac and 35th Street.   

Which Sports Should Have Baseline Testing?

Football, Hockey, Figure Skating, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Diving, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Horseback Riding, Skateboarding, Snow Skiing

About Sports Safe Concussion Testing and Dr. Les Aiello

     Dr. Aiello has practiced in Austin for over 30 years with Pediatric Associates of Austin. He has been recognized repeatedly as one of the best pediatricians in Texas and America by his physician peers.

     After treating adolescents with concussions for many years, he has decided a more comprehensive concussion management program is needed to help athletic trainers, team physicians, parents, and coaches determine when it is safe to return an athlete to school and to play. The latest research suggests that concussion protocols should include a coordinated effort that includes: baseline cognitive testing (The ImPACT Test), sideline evaluation and follow-up symptom monitoring, emergency medical care referral as indicated, follow-up cognitive testing within 48-72 hours, and thorough initial and follow-up physical exams by a physician.

     Dr. Aiello’s goal is to become the physician of choice in the Austin area for concussion management. He believes every athlete with a school or club contact sport should be baseline tested with the ImPACT concussion test.  He has chosen the ImPACT Test because of the large volume of research supporting its efficacy. In addition, because so many athletes have been tested every athlete’s data can be compared to normative scores.  While not preferred, this means that if an athlete does not have a baseline test for comparison his or her scores can be compared to the norms. The Impact Test acts as a tool to help assess how the brain is functioning by measuring components like processing speed, reaction time, memory, problem solving, and attention span.  By using the Impact test, MRI and/or CT scans when indicated, symptom checklist, history and physical exam Dr. Aiello is able to give the athlete, family, and school a better idea of the injury status.  Return to play and school decisions are based on concrete evidence helping to determine when an athlete is safely able to return.

School and Club Plans

Dr. Aiello offers a variety of plans which can include:

· Baseline testing of all athletes the first year with freshmen and junior athletes in future years

· Review all baseline tests and make recommendations on validity

· Comparison of the online baseline and post injury tests and provide within one business day an assessment of the tests(the analysis of the test is a tool in concussion management but should be utilized in conjunction with a medical exam by the personal physician or Dr. Aiello)

· Act as a resource for athletic trainers

If your athlete chooses to see Dr. Aiello for concussion care, Dr. Aiello accepts most insuranceplans and completes:

· Initial and follow-up evaluations utilizing his concussion management protocol

· A doctor’s note that will be sent to the athletic trainer explaining the diagnosis, restrictions, and plan within one business day. Dr. Aiello works with the athletic trainer, family/team physician, and athlete’s family to develop the plan based on return to play guidelines.Dr. Aiello works with the athletic trainer and is available through email and cell phone for consultation.

After Hours Clinic: 512 499-2452

     One of the biggest benefits that Dr. Aiello offers is the After Hours Kids clinic.From 7-11 pm daily nurse practitioners are on staff to assess your athletes.If parents are unsure of whether a CT scan or MRI is necessary, they can visit the after hours clinic for assessment.The nurse practitioners are trained in the concussion management protocol and they can consult with Dr. Aiello to help determine if scans or emergency care are necessary.

Schools Using ImPACT & Dr. Aiello

· St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

· Austin High School

· St. Andrews Episcopal High School

· Del Valle High School

· St. Andrews High School

· St. Michaels Catholic Academy

· Westlake High School

· Lehman High School in Hays County

· All High Schools of Austin Independent School District  

Websites

· www.cdc.gov/features/concussion

· http://sportphysioalberta.org

· www.nata.org

· http://concussion.orcasin.com/ (training program for coaches)