The concussion symptom checker uses the SCAT5 symptom list to assess the severity of concussion symptoms. Rate each symptom from 0 (none) to 6 (severe) based on how you feel right now compared to before the injury. This tool is for educational reference — all head injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Rate Each Symptom (0 = None, 6 = Severe)
Return-to-Play / Return-to-Learn Protocol
Symptom-limited activity
Only daily activities that do not provoke symptoms. No exercise.
Light aerobic exercise
Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling at low intensity. No resistance training.
Sport-specific exercise
Running drills, skating drills — no head impact activities.
Non-contact training drills
More complex drills. Resistance training may be resumed.
Full-contact practice
Medical clearance required before this stage. Normal practice activities.
Return to competition
Full return to sport. Each stage requires minimum 24 hours without symptom recurrence.
How to Use the Concussion Symptom Checker
The concussion symptom checker helps quantify the severity of post-concussion symptoms. Rate each symptom on a 0-6 scale compared to how you normally feel. A higher total score indicates more severe symptoms.
Important Safety Information
Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be immediately removed from play. The principle "When in doubt, sit it out" is fundamental. A concussion does not require loss of consciousness — most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
Monitoring Symptom Progress
Use this tool daily to track symptom changes. Symptoms should gradually improve over days. If symptoms worsen or plateau, medical evaluation is needed. Keep a log of your scores to share with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this concussion checker free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All responses stay in your browser.
Is my data private?
Yes, all responses are processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is stored or transmitted.
What is the SCAT5?
The SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition) is a standardized clinical assessment tool developed to assist trained healthcare professionals in evaluating concussions in athletes aged 13 and older. Our simplified symptom checklist is based on the SCAT5 symptom list.
When should I go to the emergency room for a head injury?
Go to the ER immediately for: loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute, repeated vomiting, seizures, worsening headache, one pupil larger than the other, extreme drowsiness or inability to be woken, slurred speech, weakness/numbness in arms or legs, or confusion that is getting worse. When in doubt, seek emergency care.
What is the Return-to-Play protocol?
The graduated Return-to-Play (RTP) protocol has 6 stages: (1) symptom-limited activity, (2) light aerobic exercise, (3) sport-specific exercise, (4) non-contact training, (5) full-contact practice after medical clearance, and (6) return to competition. Each stage requires at least 24 hours without symptom recurrence before advancing.
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Most concussion symptoms resolve within 7-14 days in adults and up to 4 weeks in children. Post-concussion syndrome occurs when symptoms persist beyond this period and requires medical evaluation. Returning to activity too soon significantly increases risk of prolonged symptoms and further injury.