MACE Symptom Recognition & Monitoring — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the four categories of concussion symptoms?
- Physical (headache, dizziness), cognitive (confusion, memory problems), emotional (irritability, anxiety), and sleep-related (insomnia, drowsiness) (Correct answer)
- Only headache
- Only memory loss
- Only dizziness and nausea
Correct answer: Physical (headache, dizziness), cognitive (confusion, memory problems), emotional (irritability, anxiety), and sleep-related (insomnia, drowsiness)
Concussion symptoms span four domains: physical (headache, nausea, balance problems, light/noise sensitivity), cognitive (confusion, slowed thinking, poor concentration), emotional (irritability, sadness, anxiety), and sleep (too much/too little).
Question 2: What is the most commonly reported symptom of concussion?
- Headache (Correct answer)
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Paralysis
Correct answer: Headache
Headache is reported in approximately 90% of concussions, making it the most common symptom. Loss of consciousness occurs in less than 10% of concussions, contrary to popular belief.
Question 3: What symptom tracking tools are used to monitor concussion recovery?
- Standardized symptom checklists (like the RPQ, NSI, or PCSS) that rate symptom severity on numeric scales over time (Correct answer)
- Only verbal questioning
- No standardized tools exist
- Only brain imaging
Correct answer: Standardized symptom checklists (like the RPQ, NSI, or PCSS) that rate symptom severity on numeric scales over time
Validated symptom checklists (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, Post-Concussion Symptom Scale) quantify symptom severity and track changes over time to guide clinical decisions.
Question 4: How can concussion symptoms be differentiated from combat stress reactions?
- Through timing relative to injury, specific cognitive deficits on MACE, neurological findings, and the pattern of symptom onset and resolution (Correct answer)
- They cannot be differentiated
- Only brain imaging can distinguish them
- Combat stress always involves loss of consciousness
Correct answer: Through timing relative to injury, specific cognitive deficits on MACE, neurological findings, and the pattern of symptom onset and resolution
Concussion symptoms are temporally linked to an injury event and include specific cognitive deficits. Combat stress reactions are related to psychological stressors and may not involve cognitive impairment on testing, though significant overlap exists.
Question 5: What is the normal recovery timeline for concussion?
- Most service members recover within 7-14 days, though some may take several weeks; symptoms persisting beyond 3 months may indicate post-concussion syndrome (Correct answer)
- 24 hours
- Exactly 30 days for everyone
- Recovery from concussion takes at least 1 year
Correct answer: Most service members recover within 7-14 days, though some may take several weeks; symptoms persisting beyond 3 months may indicate post-concussion syndrome
The majority of concussions resolve within 1-2 weeks with proper management. However, approximately 10-20% of individuals experience prolonged symptoms. Recovery timelines vary based on injury severity, history, and individual factors.
Question 6: What cognitive symptoms should be monitored after concussion?
- Slowed processing speed, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and difficulty finding words (Correct answer)
- Only spelling errors
- Only mathematical ability
- Cognitive symptoms do not occur with concussion
Correct answer: Slowed processing speed, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and difficulty finding words
Concussion commonly impairs processing speed, attention/concentration, working memory, executive function, and verbal fluency. These deficits are detected by the MACE and affect the service member's ability to perform duty tasks.
MACE Symptom Recognition & Monitoring
What are the four categories of concussion symptoms?