When to Use

• Immediate or acute assessment of suspected sport-related concussion (SRC).
• Athletes aged 13 years and older (for children 5–12, use Child SCAT6).
• Intended for use within the first 72 hours (up to 7 days) post-injury.

Target Audience

Assessment Window

Core Components

1. 1Immediate Assessment/Neuro Screen: Red Flags, Observable Signs (LOC, seizures), GCS, Cervical Spine, and Maddocks Questions.
2. 2Symptom Evaluation: Athlete-reported 22 symptoms on a 0–6 Likert scale.
3. 3Cognitive Screening: Orientation, Immediate Memory (10-word list), and Concentration (Digits backward, Months in reverse).
4. 4Coordination & Balance: Finger-to-nose and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS).
5. 5Delayed Recall: Re-testing the word list (tested >5 mins after immediate recall).

Scoring Summary

2023 Amsterdam Consensus Update

The SCAT6 updates the previous SCAT5 by adding a 10-word list (standard) for memory testing to reduce ceiling effects. It also integrates a "Total Cognitive Score" to improve sensitivity.

Clinical Pearls

Management Priorities

1. 1Immediate removal from play: "When in doubt, sit them out."
2. 2No return to play on the same day as the injury.
3. 3Initial 24–48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest (not total "dark room" rest).
4. 4Initiate Graduated Return-to-Play (GRTP) protocol.

Related Tools

Standard Reference