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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
The Current Status of Concussion Assessment Scales: A Critical Analysis Review
Matthew W Kaufman1, Charles A Su2, Nikunj N Trivedi2
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Concussion is a complex pathophysiologic process that affects the brain; it is induced by biomechanical forces, with alteration in mental status with or without loss of consciousness.
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Concussion assessment tools may be broadly categorized into (1) screening tests such as the SAC (Standardized Assessment of Concussion), the BESS (Balance Error Scoring System), and the King-Devick (KD) test; (2) confirmatory tests including the SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool), the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), and the VOMS (Vestibular Oculomotor Screening); and (3) objective examinations such as brain network activation (BNA) analysis, imaging studies, and physiologic markers.
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The KD, child SCAT3 (cSCAT3), child ImPACT (cImPACT), and VOMS tests may be used to evaluate for concussion in the pediatric athlete.
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Future work with BNA, functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and serum biomarkers may provide more objective assessment of concussion, neurologic injury, and subsequent recovery.
