Which assessment tool is used to evaluate the severity of a concussion?

The Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is specifically designed to evaluate the severity of a concussion by assessing a variety of cognitive and physical symptoms post-injury. It includes tests that measure factors such as attention, memory, processing speed, and reaction time, which are all critical in understanding the impact an injury has on a child's cognitive abilities. This tool provides a detailed overview of the individual’s baseline and post-injury cognitive performance, making it particularly useful in concussion management and return-to-play decisions.

In contrast, the SCAT5 is a comprehensive evaluation tool that incorporates symptom-checking, cognitive evaluations, and balance assessments but is more focused on the immediate assessment process immediately following a concussion. The Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire assesses the severity and frequency of symptoms after a concussion but does not specifically evaluate cognitive performance as thoroughly as ImPACT. The Cranial Nerve Assessment is not relevant for concussion evaluation, as it primarily focuses on basic neurological function rather than the specific cognitive symptoms associated with a concussion. Thus, ImPACT stands out as the most comprehensive tool for evaluating concussion severity in pediatric patients.