Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Eric Warren, M.D., has been named a credentialed ImPACT consultant after extensive training in concussion treatment and management. Dr. Warren practices at Waxhaw Family Physicians & Sports Medicine, located at 3614 Providence Rd., Suite 200 in Waxhaw. The practice can be reached at 704-384-8640.
It is estimated that over 300,000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States each year. However, many are never treated, while in other cases athletes return to competition too early - both of which can leave athletes vulnerable to permanent damage. ImPACT is a computer-based testing program designed for the complete evaluation of sports-related concussions. It is the result of approximately 10 years of extensive research and is currently the most widely used computerized concussion evaluation program in the world. The ImPACT test measures an athlete's symptoms, including attention, memory, processing speed and reaction time. The test provides an in-depth report of the results and assists physicians with making the difficult decision of whether or not an athlete is ready to return to play.
"By using ImPACT and becoming a credentialed consultant, I'm able to more accurately and effectively evaluate suspected concussion injuries. It is often the only objective test available when diagnosing and managing concussions, and it is extremely helpful to be able to offer this to our patients," said Dr. Warren. "Better evaluation helps prevent post-concussion syndrome and second impact syndrome, both of which can lead to permanent damage and the latter of which can be fatal."
Dr. Warren received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his family medicine residency and sports medicine fellowship at Carolinas Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. He has also served as the team physician for several area high schools, Johnson C. Smith University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte men's soccer team and various sporting events in the area.
To learn more about ImPACT, visit www.impacttest.com. For more information about Presbyterian's sports medicine services and experts, visit www.presbyterian.org/sportsmed.
