Baseline Concussion Assessment in Varsity Athletes: A Comparison Between Two Concussion Assessment Tools and Identification of Possible Risk Factors

Objectives: To compare the self-report of symptoms on two commonly used tools: Sideline Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2), and Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). To identify potential variables on ImPACT and a preseason questionnaire that might predict concussion.;Conclusions: Athletes' self-report of post-concussion symptoms differed, depending on the type of concussion evaluation tool used. ImPACT may be able to identify athletes at increased risk for concussion. More research is needed on preseason screening questionnaires.;Results: Eighteen "matched" symptoms were analyzed for 349 athletes. There were significant differences between 10 symptoms. Athletes who scored in the lowest 10th percentile at baseline on ImPACT for the visual memory composite score were 2.5 (95% CI 1.09 -- 5.46) times more likely to suffer a concussion. Male athletes with a family history of concussion were 0.4 (95% CI 0.17-0.93) times less likely to suffer a concussion.