Note on the use of the Postconcussion Syndrome Checklist

Symptoms of the Postconcussion Syndrome (PCS) were evaluated in a university sample, using the Postconcussion Syndrome Checklist (PCSC). Three hundred twenty-six participants completed a questionnaire regarding history of head injury, cognitive or psychosocial difficulties, and demographic data. Scores on the PCSC did not vary by self-report of head injury. Females, however, endorsed more frequent, intense, and prolonged symptomatology, regardless of history or severity of head injury. Only 5% of the sample endorsed more than 6 symptoms on the PCSC, suggesting a potentially useful cutoff for abnormality. The PCSC was significantly correlated with the Beck Depression Inventory, suggesting that general level of psychological distress is a key factor in evaluating symptoms of PCS.