A new updated tool called MACE 2 released by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) https://dvbic.dcoe.mil, is now available to providers to screen patients for concussion. The MACE 2 is for use by all medically trained personnel such as medics, corpsmen, and other healthcare providers who treat service members with suspected TBI.
The Defense Health Agency’s https://www.health.mil Research and Development Directorate’s traumatic brain injury Center of Excellence developed MACE 2 from the 2012 MACE. MACE 2 combines state-of-the-science advances in concussion care and feedback from military end users. The new tool has the capability to more thoroughly evaluate and document concussions.
In addition to broadening the base of users, MACE 2 includes other updates. For example, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) has been added to help providers assess vestibular and oculomotor functions in patients with suspected concussion.
DVBIC, has expanded portions of the MACE 2 neurological exam to increase clarity and comprehensiveness including speech and balance testing. Also, MACE 2 includes new instructions, “Red Flags,” observable signs and symptoms, and updates questions on the patient’s injury and medical history.
As with the 2012 MACE, MACE 2 is a free concussion screening tool intended for use by the military, veterans, and civilian medical personnel and is available to order in hard copy or to digitally download on the DVBIC website at https://dvbic.dcoe.mil.