MACE Concussion Assessment & Screening 2

Question 1

What is the difference between the MACE and a definitive TBI diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The MACE is a screening tool that identifies potential concussion; a definitive diagnosis requires comprehensive medical evaluation by a qualified provider

Answer

The MACE is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. Abnormal results indicate the need for further evaluation by a medical officer, which may include imaging, neuropsychological testing, and specialist consultation.

Question 2

How is the immediate memory subtest of the MACE administered?

Accepted Answer

The examiner reads a list of 5 words and asks the service member to repeat as many as possible, repeated over 3 trials

Answer

Immediate memory uses a 5-word list read aloud by the examiner. The service member repeats as many words as possible. This is repeated for 3 trials to assess encoding and immediate recall ability.

Question 3

What does the concentration subtest of the MACE assess?

Accepted Answer

Sustained attention and working memory through reverse digit recall and months backward tasks

Answer

The concentration subtest uses reverse digit span (repeating numbers backward) and months backward tasks to evaluate attention, concentration, and working memory—cognitive functions commonly disrupted by concussion.

Question 4

Why is delayed recall an important component of the MACE?

Accepted Answer

It assesses memory consolidation by testing whether words learned earlier can be retrieved after a time delay, revealing hippocampal function

Answer

Delayed recall evaluates the brain's ability to store and retrieve information over time. Concussion often impairs memory consolidation, making this subtest particularly sensitive to mild traumatic brain injury.

Question 5

What are the red flag symptoms that require immediate medical evacuation during MACE assessment?

Accepted Answer

Unequal pupils, worsening headache, seizures, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, or weakness on one side of the body

Answer

Red flag symptoms may indicate more severe brain injury (intracranial hemorrhage, skull fracture) requiring emergency imaging and neurosurgical intervention. These findings override the MACE and mandate immediate evacuation.

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE Concussion Assessment & Screening 2