SCAT-6 — Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (6th Edition)
Standardised acute and sideline assessment for sports-related concussion (Concussion in Sport Group 2023). The full SCAT-6 has multiple components — this calculator records the overall on-field decision after symptom check, balance error scoring, cognitive screen, and immediate red-flag screen. Use Child SCAT-6 for ages 5–12.
Score interpretation
→ Continue activity if all assessments normal. Re-assess if any symptom develops within 24–72 h. Educate athlete and family on delayed-onset symptoms.
→ REMOVE from play immediately and DO NOT return same day. Initial 24–48 h relative rest then graduated return-to-learn and graduated return-to-play (6 stages, ≥24 h per stage). Medical clearance before full contact. Document initial SCAT and serial assessments.
→ Call ambulance / transfer to ED. Cervical-spine immobilisation. CT head per NICE NG232 if indicated. Admit for neurological observation. Consider neurosurgical review. Do NOT return to play until specialist clearance.
Interpretation bands for the SCAT-6. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.