Mayo Concussion Test and Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale

The Mayo Concussion Test (MCT). When an athlete is suspected of having sustained a concussion, he or she is removed from play, and the clinician or athletic trainer on the sidelines performs a brief history and physical examination and administers the MCT and Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale (PCSS). The results of the MCT and PCSS are compared with baseline results of the same tests.

The MCT evaluates orientation, immediate memory, concentration, and delayed recall. Correct answers are given a score of 1 and incorrect answers are given a score of 0. The PCSS evaluates for symptoms associated with concussion. Each symptom is given a score between 0 (no symptoms) and 6 (severe symptoms).

Ultimately, the diagnosis of concussion is confirmed if the athlete's sideline PCSS reveals new or more-severe post-concussive-type symptoms or if the athlete's sideline MCT score is lower than the baseline score. The athlete is removed from play and receives follow-up monitoring, as indicated in the protocol.