Components of the sideline examination:
(1) orientation (5 points)
(2) immediate memory (15 points)
(3) concentration (5 points)
(4) delayed recall (5 points)
Components of the accompanying physical examination:
(5) neurological screening
(6) exertional maneuvers
Orientation subscore (0 to 5 points): 1 point each for ability to state:
(1) month
(2) today's date
(3) day of week
(4) year
(5) approximate time of day (within1 hour)
Immediate memory subscore (0 to 15 points): Ability to recall 5 words over 3 trials, with 1 point for each word recalled correctly.
Concentration subscore (0 to 5 points): For the string reversals, stop if unable to do both strings correctly.
(1) able to reverse 2 strings of 3 numbers: 1 point
(2) able to reverse 2 strings of 4 numbers: 1 point
(3) able to reverse 2 strings of 5 numbers: 1 point
(4) able to reverse 2 strings of 6 numbers: 1 point
(5) months of the year in reverse order: 1 point if able to state all 12 months correctly
Delayed recall subscore (0 to 5 points): Ability 5 minutes later to recall words used in the immediate memory subscore, with 1 point for each word recalled.
Physical examination (may be conducted while waiting for the delayed recall):
(1) recollection of injury
(2) symmetry of pupillary size
(3) evidence of uncoordination
(4) evidence of sensory abnormalities
(5) strength
Exertional maneuvers:
(1) 40 yard sprint (once)
(2) sit-ups (5)
(3) push-ups (5)
(4) knee bends (5)
total score for sideline examination =
= (points for orientation) + (points for immediate memory) + (points for concentration) + (points for delayed recall)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 30
• The lower the score, the more seriously affected the player.
• Players with mild concussions may be detected on the immediate memory and delayed recall subscores.
