Concussion

A concussion is a temporary disturbance in brain function caused by a blow to the head or body. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over minutes, hours, or days.

According to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Sports Medicine Australia, concussion can affect:

  • How you feel
  • How you think
  • How you move
  • How you behave

You do not need to lose consciousness to have

When to Suspect a Concussion

If you have a mechanism of injury (a cause) and symptoms, assume a concussion until proven otherwise.

In simple terms: if you hit your head, get hit, land hard, or experience a force that shakes the head and you don’t feel right, you should suspect a concussion.

 

What Is a “Mechanism of Injury” That Can Cause a Concussion?

A concussion can occur from a force to the body or directly to the head, including:

  • Direct impact to the head (ground, bat, ball, wall, steering wheel)
  • Whiplash-type movement (sudden stop/start, heavy landing, rapid shaking)
  • Collision with another player (with or without direct head contact)
  • Fall to the ground (direct head impact or whiplash mechanism)

 

Symptoms That May Indicate a Concussion

You must suspect a concussion if you experience any of the following symptoms, whether mild or severe.

  • Physical Symptoms
  • Headache
  • Pressure in the head
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Balance problems
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling slowed down
  • Neck pain
  • Cognitive (Thinking) Symptoms
  • Feeling “foggy” or not yourself
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Confusion or delayed responses
  • Feeling dazed
  • Emotional Symptoms
  • Irritability
  • Increased emotional sensitivity
  • Sadness
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Sleep-Related Symptoms
  • Feeling unusually tired
  • Sleeping more or less than normal
  • Difficulty falling asleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek assessment from a qualified medical professional experienced in concussion management.

 

When to Go Straight to Hospital

Australian guidelines classify the following as medical red flags requiring immediate hospital assessment:

  • Significantly worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizure or convulsions
  • Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Increasing confusion or agitation
  • Severe neck pain
  • Slurred speech
  • Behavioural deterioration
  • Difficulty recognising people or places

Do not wait to see if these symptoms improve.

 

What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion

In line with the AIS Concussion in Sport Guidelines

  • Step 1 — Remove From Play Immediately – No return to sport, training, school sport, or physical activity on the same day.
  • Step 2 — Medical Assessment – Assessment should be completed by a GP, Sport & Exercise Physician, or physiotherapist trained in concussion management.
  • Step 3 — Graded Return to School, Work, and Sport – Australia uses a six-stage return-to-learn and return-to-sport framework. Progression must be symptom-free at each stage.
  • Step 4 — Medical Clearance Before Return to Sport – Medical clearance is mandatory under Australian guidelines.

 

Children and Teenagers (Under 18)

Children and adolescents require a more conservative recovery approach.

Minimum 21 days before return to contact sport – even if symptoms resolve earlier

Developing brains take longer to recover and are more vulnerable to repeat injury

How We Can Help

Our team follows AIS and Sport & Exercise Medicine best practice standards and works closely with parents, coaches, Sport & Exercise Physicians, and GPs to ensure safe, coordinated care.

Our concussion management includes:

  • SCAT6 and Child SCAT6 assessment
  • Balance and vestibular testing
  • Comprehensive neck assessment (often overlooked but critical)
  • Symptom-guided recovery planning
  • Graded return-to-school and return-to-sport programs

Resources

  • Find a Sport & Exercise Physician https://www.sema.com.au/find-a-doctor/
  • World Rugby https://www.world.rugby/the-game/player-welfare/medical/concussion
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC) https://olympics.com/ioc/medical-and-scientific-commission
  • AIS https://www.ais.gov.au/concussion
  • Sports Medicine Australia https://sma.org.au/resources-advice/injury-fact-sheets/concussion/