MACE Concussion Assessment & Screening

Question 1

What is the MACE 2 (Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 2)?

Accepted Answer

A standardized screening tool used by military medical personnel to assess cognitive function and identify potential mild traumatic brain injury in service members

Answer

The MACE 2 is a validated, field-deployable screening instrument that evaluates cognitive domains affected by concussion, including orientation, immediate memory, neurological screening, concentration, and delayed recall.

Question 2

What are the four cognitive subtests of the MACE?

Accepted Answer

Orientation, immediate memory, concentration, and delayed recall

Answer

The MACE evaluates: Orientation (time, place, situation), Immediate Memory (word list recall), Concentration (reverse digits and months backward), and Delayed Recall (previously learned word list after a delay).

Question 3

What is the maximum score on the MACE cognitive assessment?

Accepted Answer

30 points

Answer

The MACE cognitive assessment has a maximum score of 30 points distributed across its four subtests. A score below 25 suggests potential concussion requiring further evaluation, though clinical judgment is essential.

Question 4

When should the MACE be administered after a potential concussive event?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible after the event, ideally within the first 24 hours, and before the service member returns to duty

Answer

Early administration of the MACE captures the acute cognitive effects of concussion. The initial assessment serves as a baseline against which subsequent assessments can be compared to track recovery.

Question 5

What events should trigger a MACE assessment in military settings?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to blast, vehicle rollover/crash, fall, direct impact to the head, or any event where altered consciousness is suspected

Answer

The MACE should be administered after any potentially concussive event including blast exposure (even without direct head impact), vehicular incidents, falls, collisions, and any situation where altered mental status is observed.

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE Concussion Assessment & Screening