Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5)

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Objective

Developed by the concussion in sport group, SCAT 5 is a standardized tool used by Medical professionals and qualified health care professionals to aid in evaluation of athletes suspected of having sustained a concussion. SCAT 5 can also be used to obtain baseline data among health athletes for future reference.

Intended Population

Athletes 13 years and over

Description

SCAT5 has 2 major components; An immediate/on-field assessment tool and an off-field assessment tool.

Immediate/on-field assessment comprises of;

·        taking note of red flags,

·        checking for observable signs of concussion

·        Memory assessment using Maddock's questionnaire

·        examining the level of consciousness using the Glasgow Comma Scale

·        cervical spine assessment

The off-field assessment is preferably carried out in a clinical setting and it involves

·        Taking a comprehensive history of the players condition

·        symptom evaluation

·        A cognitive screen, which is a measure of orientation and immediate memory.

·        A measure of concentration

·        A neurological screen

·        Delayed recall 

The results of the assessment are compared to a previously conducted baseline assessment or to normative score and are used to confirm a concussion. 

Method of use

The immediate assessment is completed as soon as an athlete is involved in an event with potential to cause a concussion, but first the athlete must be removed from the field of play.

An athlete displaying obvious signs of concussion on pitch are immediately withdrawn from play and an immediate./on-field assessment is carried out. In this case completing an off-field assessment is not required.