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Comprehensive concussion evaluation tool using the SCAT5 protocol. Assess symptoms, identify red flags requiring immediate medical attention, and receive return-to-play guidance.
If ANY red flag is present, seek emergency medical care immediately
Rate each symptom from 0 (none) to 6 (severe)
Modified BESS testing
Time, place, person awareness (5 = fully oriented)
Word list recall (5 = perfect recall)
1. Rest & Recovery
No physical or cognitive exertion
2. Light Aerobic
Walking, swimming, stationary bike
3. Sport-Specific
Running drills, no contact
4. Non-Contact Training
Harder training, no contact
5. Full Contact Practice
Medical clearance required
6. Return to Play
Normal game activity
Each stage minimum 24 hours. If symptoms return, drop back to previous stage.
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) is the most widely used standardized tool for evaluating suspected concussions in athletes aged 13 years and older. This comprehensive assessment helps healthcare professionals and trained personnel identify concussion symptoms and determine appropriate management.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, face, or neck, or a blow elsewhere on the body that transmits force to the head. It results in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms.
Important: This calculator is an educational tool and does not replace professional medical evaluation. Any suspected concussion should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. When in doubt, sit them out!
Always screen for red flags that require immediate emergency medical attention. These include neck pain, double vision, seizures, or deteriorating consciousness.
Use the 0-6 scale to rate each of the 22 symptoms. Compare to baseline if available, or rate current state. Be honest about symptom severity.
Perform balance testing (Modified BESS), orientation questions (time, place, person), and immediate memory assessment (word list recall).
The total symptom score, number of symptoms, and clinical test results help determine severity and guide management decisions.
If concussion is suspected, initiate the graduated 6-step return to play protocol, with medical clearance required before full return.
Any red flag requires immediate emergency medical evaluation. Do not delay. Transport to emergency department immediately.
Significant symptom burden requiring urgent medical evaluation. Complete physical and cognitive rest recommended. Close monitoring essential.
Notable concussion symptoms requiring medical evaluation within 24 hours. Rest and activity modification needed. Monitor for worsening.
Mild symptom presentation but still requires medical evaluation. Remove from play/activity. Implement graduated return protocol.
No symptoms reported at this time. However, symptoms may be delayed. Continue monitoring for 24-48 hours. If mechanism of injury was significant, still consider medical evaluation.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This can result in chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Concussions are functional injuries rather than structural, meaning standard imaging (CT, MRI) is typically normal.
No. Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of concussions. You can have a significant concussion without ever losing consciousness. Any alteration in mental state, confusion, amnesia, or symptoms following head impact should be taken seriously.
Seek immediate emergency care if any red flags are present: neck pain or tenderness, double vision, weakness or tingling in arms/legs, severe or worsening headache, seizure, loss of consciousness, deteriorating conscious state, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, or unusual behavior changes.
Most concussions resolve within 7-10 days in adults and within 4 weeks in adolescents. However, recovery is highly individual. Some people recover faster, while others (particularly those with previous concussions) may take longer. The graduated return to play protocol typically takes minimum 6 days if progressing smoothly.
The return to play protocol is a graduated 6-step program: (1) Complete rest, (2) Light aerobic exercise, (3) Sport-specific exercise, (4) Non-contact training drills, (5) Full contact practice, (6) Return to play. Each step requires minimum 24 hours. If symptoms return at any stage, drop back to the previous stage. Medical clearance is required before return to contact sports.
Yes, sleep is important for concussion recovery. The old advice about keeping someone awake after a concussion is outdated. However, if there are concerning symptoms or red flags, medical evaluation is needed first. Healthcare providers may recommend periodic checks during the first night after injury.
Returning to contact sports before full recovery significantly increases risk of: (1) Second impact syndrome - a rare but potentially fatal condition from second concussion before first heals, (2) Prolonged recovery time, (3) Increased susceptibility to future concussions, (4) Permanent brain damage with repeated concussions. This is why graduated return to play with medical clearance is essential.
Yes, baseline concussion testing is highly recommended for athletes in contact sports. Having pre-season baseline scores for symptoms, cognitive function, and balance provides valuable comparison data if concussion is suspected. This helps determine when an athlete has returned to their normal baseline function before clearing them for return to play.
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