A knock to the head or body during sport that leaves you dazed, foggy, headachy or off balance can be a concussion. With winter contact sport in full swing across Brisbane, it is worth knowing what a concussion actually is, how recovery works, and what the current guidelines say about getting back to sport safely.
The advice has changed in recent years, so some of what people remember may be out of date. Here is a clear, up to date overview, and the red flags that always need urgent care.
In this article
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, or by a knock to the body that jolts the head. Importantly, you do not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Most concussions happen without blacking out.
It affects how the brain works for a period, which is why symptoms can include headache, feeling foggy or slowed down, dizziness, balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and trouble concentrating.
What are the signs of concussion?
Signs and symptoms can come on straight away or over the following hours, and may include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Feeling dazed, foggy or slowed down
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea, or sensitivity to light or noise
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
A widely used principle in sport is simple: if in doubt, sit them out. Anyone suspected of a concussion should stop playing and be assessed.
How long does a concussion take to recover?
The reassuring news is that most people recover well.
Early complete rest for a day or two can help, but the guidance has moved away from prolonged rest in a dark room. Gentle activity that does not significantly worsen symptoms is now encouraged as part of recovery.
How does return to sport work?
Return to sport follows a graduated, step by step plan rather than a sudden jump back. Under the current guidelines, an athlete no longer needs to be completely symptom free at rest before beginning light activity, and gentle prescribed aerobic exercise introduced in the first couple of weeks can help recovery. Activity is progressed gradually as long as symptoms do not flare significantly, moving through light exercise, sport-specific work, training, and finally full contact and competition, with medical clearance where required.
Every plan should be individualised, and children and adolescents are managed more conservatively than adults.
Red flags that need urgent care
Some symptoms need emergency assessment. Seek urgent medical care, such as an ambulance or emergency department, if after a head knock there is:
- Loss of consciousness, or increasing drowsiness or confusion
- A worsening or severe headache
- Repeated vomiting, seizures, or weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Neck pain, slurred speech, or unusual behaviour
When in doubt, get checked urgently.
When should you see a physio?
Once any emergency concerns are excluded, a physiotherapist experienced in concussion can help guide your recovery and graduated return to sport, and can assess and treat symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems and neck pain that sometimes accompany a concussion. See a physio if your symptoms are not settling, you feel unsure about returning to sport, or you want a clear, safe plan.
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Helping You Perform at Your Best
At ACE Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised care to support concussion recovery and a graduated return to sport across Brisbane's southside. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a clear plan for your next steps.