KELLOGG - The Kellogg High School football and soccer teams are using on a new program to help diagnose concussion victims.

"Impact" also aims to ensure that individuals with concussions don't return to sporting action too early and risk further brain damage.

Already used across the country, the program assesses potential concussion victims with a computer quiz. It was introduced to Shoshone Medical Center and KHS by Cory Lewis, physical therapist at Shoshone Medical Center.

The program has developed, he said, as concussion management has become a significant issue in all sports, from peewee football to the NFL.

"It's a computer-based test that shows a series of numbers or shapes to test memorization and other symptoms of concussions," Lewis explained.

Lewis helped set up the partnership with the Kellogg School District this year. Kellogg athletes with a concussion are given the test free of charge. Lewis is working with SMC to make the test available to Silver Valley athletes next year.

The test has already been taken by eight Kellogg athletes, and Lewis said things are working well. The first test is taken within 72 hours of the injury. If the individual is still suffering trauma, he or she will continue testing weekly until the symptoms disappear, Lewis said.

Lewis is confident the program will be utilized by each of the Silver Valley's high school football teams.

"It is a communitywide issue," Lewis said. "(Impact) is an important enough program that we need to be doing it with all of the Valley's football programs next year."