Free MACE Neurological Examination Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE)?

To evaluate acute concussions (Correct answer)
To assess chronic traumatic brain injury
To diagnose mental health disorders
To measure physical fitness

Correct answer: To evaluate acute concussions

The Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE) is specifically designed as a standardized tool for healthcare providers to assess service members immediately following a suspected concussion. Its primary purpose is to identify and evaluate the acute symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with a recent mild traumatic brain injury. This allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Question 2: Which component is NOT part of the MACE neurological examination?

Physical endurance test (Correct answer)
Cognitive screening
Symptom evaluation
Neurological screening

Correct answer: Physical endurance test

The MACE focuses on neurological and cognitive assessments relevant to concussion, such as symptom evaluation, cognitive screening (memory, orientation), and neurological screening (balance, coordination). A physical endurance test, which measures stamina and physical exertion, is not a component of the MACE neurological examination as it does not directly assess concussion-related brain function.

Question 3: What is a key symptom evaluated in the MACE neurological examination?

Fever
Headache (Correct answer)
Abdominal pain
Skin rash

Correct answer: Headache

Headache is one of the most common and prominent symptoms experienced after a concussion, often appearing immediately or shortly after the injury. The MACE specifically includes a symptom checklist where individuals are asked to report the presence and severity of various symptoms, with headache being a key indicator of a potential concussion.

Question 4: During the MACE, which cognitive function is commonly tested?

Memory recall (Correct answer)
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Reflexes

Correct answer: Memory recall

Concussions frequently impair cognitive functions, particularly memory. The MACE includes specific tasks, such as word list recall, to assess both immediate and delayed memory. This helps identify any short-term memory deficits, which are a common sign of acute concussion.

Question 5: Which of the following tests is typically included in the MACE neurological examination?

Verbal memory test (Correct answer)
MRI scan
Blood glucose level
Lung capacity test

Correct answer: Verbal memory test

The MACE neurological examination includes a cognitive screening component, and a verbal memory test is a standard part of this. This typically involves asking the individual to recall a list of words, which helps assess their immediate and delayed verbal memory, a key indicator of cognitive function post-concussion.

Question 6: What is assessed during the neurological screening portion of the MACE?

Blood oxygen levels
Muscle strength and coordination (Correct answer)
Respiratory rate
Liver function

Correct answer: Muscle strength and coordination

The neurological screening portion of the MACE assesses various aspects of neurological function that can be affected by a concussion. This includes evaluating muscle strength, coordination, balance, and gait to identify any motor deficits or neurological impairments resulting from the head injury.

Question 7: How soon after a suspected concussion should the MACE be administered?

Within 24 hours
Immediately (Correct answer)
After one week
After one month

Correct answer: Immediately

The MACE is designed for acute assessment, meaning it should be administered as soon as possible after a suspected concussion. Immediate evaluation is crucial for establishing baseline symptoms, identifying any red flag signs, and initiating appropriate medical management and removal from activity to prevent further injury.

Question 8: Which symptom might indicate the need for immediate medical attention during a MACE evaluation?

Severe headache (Correct answer)
Mild dizziness
Slight nausea
Mild fatigue

Correct answer: Severe headache

While mild symptoms are common with concussions, a severe headache, especially one that worsens, can be a "red flag" symptom indicating a more serious brain injury, such as an intracranial hemorrhage. The MACE protocol emphasizes identifying such severe symptoms that warrant immediate advanced medical evaluation.

Question 9: What aspect of neurological function is assessed with balance tests in the MACE?

Coordination and equilibrium (Correct answer)
Cognitive ability
Visual acuity
Hearing ability

Correct answer: Coordination and equilibrium

Balance tests, such as tandem gait or standing on one leg, are included in the MACE to assess an individual's coordination and equilibrium. Concussions can disrupt the brain's ability to process sensory information and control motor movements, leading to impaired balance and an increased risk of falls.

Question 10: In the MACE, what is the significance of asking patients to recall a list of words?

To assess short-term memory and attention (Correct answer)
To evaluate long-term memory
To test language skills
To measure problem-solving ability

Correct answer: To assess short-term memory and attention

Asking patients to recall a list of words is a standard component of the MACE cognitive assessment. This task specifically evaluates immediate and short-term verbal memory, as well as the patient's ability to pay attention and encode new information, which are often impaired following a concussion.

Question 11: What should be done if a patient shows significant cognitive impairment during the MACE?

They should be sent for immediate advanced medical evaluation (Correct answer)
They should rest and re-test after 24 hours
They should continue with normal activities
They should be given painkillers and monitored

Correct answer: They should be sent for immediate advanced medical evaluation

Significant cognitive impairment identified during the MACE, especially if severe or worsening, indicates a potentially more serious brain injury or complication. In such cases, the protocol mandates immediate referral for advanced medical evaluation (e.g., neuroimaging, specialist consultation) to rule out conditions like intracranial bleeding.

Free MACE Neurological Examination Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE)?