Child SCAT5

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (Child SCAT5) is designed as a standardised tool to screen for assessment and management of concussion with children aged from 5 to 12.[1] For older player, SCAT5 should be utilised 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 assessment and management of concussion in younger population, though the diagnosis of a concussion should be made taking into account of other factors by a health professional.[1]

Structure[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

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

Cognitive Screening[edit | edit source]

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

Neurological Screen[edit | edit source]

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

Delay Recall[edit | edit source]

  • Recall words from immediate memory session after 5 minutes

Decision[edit | edit source]

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

Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]

Child SCAT5 is developed to be performed by a physician or health professional.[1] Physiotherapist could utilise this screening tool to construct a baseline for players pre-season or assess a 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.

Resources[edit | edit source]

Child SCAT5

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Echemendia RJ, Meeuwisse W, McCrory P, Davis GA, Putukian M, Leddy J, Makdissi M, Sullivan SJ, Broglio SP, Raftery M, Schneider K. The sport concussion assessment tool 5th edition (SCAT5): background and rationale. Br J Sports Med. 2017 Jun 1;51(11):848-50.