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Post Concussion Symptom Scale
Availability
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Classification
NeuroRehab Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) Core
 
Core: Sport-Related Concussion (SRC)
 
  • Core: One of Core Symptoms Checklists should be collected: Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CCAT), CNS Vital Signs, Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (Child-SCAT), Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Post Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI), Post Concussion Symptoms Scale (PCS-S), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) or (SCAT-5), Standardized Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), or Post Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI).

 
Short Description of Instrument
The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) is a 22-item computerized symptom scale embedded into the ImPACT cognitive test that is designed to measure the presence and severity of post-concussion symptoms over a 72-hour period.
Scoring
Participants are asked to rate the severity of 22 common post-concussion symptoms (e.g., headache, dizziness, nausea) on a 7 point Likert-type scale from 0-none to 6-severe. A total symptom severity score of 0–132 is then calculated. Symptoms factor scores that are dependent on time since injuryare also used to assess symptoms factors (see Kontos et al., 2012).
 
Advantages: Brief administration time- 5 min. Validated in numerous studies. Factor scores can be used to track factor specific symptoms and recovery.  
 
Limitations: Self-report bias. Baseline symptmos can vary considerably and may influence post-concussion scores on PCSS. Reading level restrictions. Not usable in pediatric population without using parent report. Some symptoms overlap with other illnesses, disorder, etc.
References
Joyce AS, Labella CR, Carl RL, Lai JS, Zelko FA. The Postconcussion Symptom Scale: utility of a three-factor structure. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015;47(6):1119-1123.
 
Kontos AP, Elbin RJ, Schatz P, Covassin T, Henry L, Pardini J, Collins MW. A revised factor structure for the Post Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS): Baseline and post-concussion factors. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(10):2375-2384.   
 
Document last updated January 2022