Child SCAT5

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Introduction

The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (Child SCAT5) is designed as a standardised tool to screen for concussion with children aged from 5 to 12. It is created to be used exclusively by a physician or licensed healthcare professional, including physiotherapist. On the other hand, first-aid officer, manager, coaches and other staff are encouraged to use Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5).

Child SCAT5 is made as a screening tool for concussion in younger population, though the diagnosis of a concussion should be made taking into account of other factors by a health professional.

Structure

Child SCAT5 is divided in to six sessions, including Immediate or On-Field Assessment, Symptom Evaluation, Cognitive Screening, Neurological Screen, Delayed Recall and Decision. At the end of the assessment form, there is an injury advice which could be provided to the injured child and parents/caregivers.

Immediate or On-Field Assessment

• Taking notes of red flags
• Observable signs
• Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC)
• Cervical spine assessment
• History - of concussion and recovery and other past medical history

Symptom Evaluation

• It consists of two parts, child report and parent report.

Cognitive Screening

• Testing of immediate memory
• Concentration - includes counting number backwards and days in reverse order

Neurological Screen

• Testing if the child could follow instruction
• Cervical movement and pain
• Coordination
• Walking pattern
• BESS Balance test

Delay Recall

• Recall words from immediate memory session after 5 minutes

Decision

• The result of the assessment can be used upon follow up visit to compare to baseline assessment.

Physiotherapy

Child SCAT5 is developed to be performed by a physician or health professional. Physiotherapist could utilise this screening tool to construct a baseline for players pre-season or assess an player with suspected concussion. Care should be taken when using Child SCAT5, and it is not recommended to be used as a stand-alone method to diagnose concussion, measuring prognosis or decision making.