Concussion FAQs
A concussion occurs when a force to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in temporary changes to how the brain functions. Concussion symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related functions.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Dizziness or balance difficulties
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Feeling "foggy"
- Irritability or mood changes
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms
No.
Many people who sustain a concussion do not lose consciousness. If symptoms develop following a knock to the head or body, concussion may still be present and should be assessed by a trained healthcare professional.
Urgent medical assessment is recommended if symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures or convulsions
- Worsening or severe headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Weakness, numbness or tingling
- Vision changes
- Increasing confusion
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Loss of coordination
- Facial drooping
- Bruising around the eyes or ears
These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury.
After receiving appropriate medical assessment, early management typically focuses on: Good sleep hygiene
Appropriate nutrition and hydration
Education and reassurance
Gradual return to activity under professional guidance
Assessment by a practitioner experienced in concussion management can help guide recovery and return-to-play, work, or school decisions.
Not necessarily.
Current evidence suggests that a carefully guided and progressive return to physical and cognitive activity may lead to better outcomes than prolonged complete rest. Your recovery plan should be tailored to your individual symptoms and presentation.
At Sports & Spinal Group, concussion assessments include:
- Detailed injury and symptom history
- Neurological examination
- Neurocognitive testing
- Visual assessment
- Vestibular testing
- Balance assessment
- Physical exertion testing
This information helps determine the nature of the injury and guides an individualised recovery plan.
Concussion symptoms may involve multiple systems of the body, including the neck, balance system, visual system, and nervous system.
Treatment and rehabilitation may include hands-on care, education, symptom management strategies, graded exercise, and return-to-activity guidance based on your individual presentation.
Yes.
Following a concussion, there is often an associated neck injury or whiplash component. Neck dysfunction may contribute to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, and ongoing discomfort, even after the brain itself has recovered.
Some people continue to experience symptoms beyond the expected recovery period.
Persistent symptoms can occur for a variety of reasons and may require further assessment and targeted management. Symptoms that continue beyond four weeks are often referred to as Post or Persistent Concussion Syndrome (PCS).
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) refers to ongoing concussion-related symptoms that persist beyond four weeks following the initial injury.
These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, or emotional changes. Comprehensive assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide treatment.
Yes.
Concussion can affect multiple areas of brain function and may contribute to:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional irritability
- Anxiety
- Low mood
These symptoms are common and often improve with appropriate management and recovery.
General recommendations may include:
- Prioritising sleep
- Staying well hydrated
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Gradually returning to activity
- Taking regular breaks when symptoms increase
- Following advice from your healthcare practitioner
Your management plan should always be individualised to your symptoms and stage of recovery.
Return-to-activity decisions should be guided by symptom progression and clinical assessment.
At SSG, ongoing testing and graded exertion assessment help determine when it is appropriate to return to normal activities safely and confidently.
Baseline testing involves measuring various neurological, cognitive, balance, visual, and physical performance markers before an injury occurs.
This information can assist clinical decision-making following a concussion and may be particularly valuable for athletes involved in contact sports
No referral is required.
You can book directly with the concussion team at Sports & Spinal Group for assessment, management, and return-to-play guidance.
Sports & Spinal Group provides concussion assessment and management services for patients across Bayside Melbourne, including. Hampton, Beaumaris, Sandringham, Black Rock, Brighton, Highett, Cheltenham, Mentone and Mordialloc
Yes.
Our concussion management services support children, adolescents, recreational athletes, competitive athletes, and adults recovering from concussion, helping guide a safe return to school, work, exercise, and sport.
