Whether you’re a casual player in a local footy club, a keen netballer, or a parent cheering from the sidelines, concussions are something you need to know about. They are more common than many people realise and more serious than just “a knock to the head.”
💥 What is a Concussion?
A concussion is also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, usually from a direct blow to the head, a fall, or even a hit to the body that causes the head to jolt. Think of your brain like jelly inside a container. If you suddenly shake or knock the container, the jelly hits the sides. That is what happens during a concussion.
⚠️ Signs to Watch Out for after a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person, and they don’t always show up straight away. Importantly, you don’t need to be knocked out to have a concussion.
After an athlete has returned to play following a concussion, it’s important to keep a close eye on them, even if they’ve followed the right recovery process. A person who’s had a concussion might experience a mix of symptoms such as a headache, nausea, memory problems, dizziness, blurry vision, confusion, tiredness, sensitivity to light or sound, poor coordination, or mood swings.
During a physical evaluation, the person may experience difficulty concentrating, feel unsteady, or exhibit signs of confusion or memory loss. Their reaction time may be slower, and they might struggle with physical or visual coordination. If the player hasn’t been knocked out but is still on the field, they may show signs such as stumbling, running in the wrong direction or being unusually slow to react.
🛑 Why “Playing Through It” is Dangerous
One of the biggest myths in sport is the idea that you can “tough it out” after a knock. Returning to play before fully recovering puts you at substantial risk of a second concussion, which can be far more serious. In rare cases, this can lead to Second Impact Syndrome, in which an individual experiences a second concussion before completely recovering from a prior head injury and can be life-threatening.
That’s why many codes in Australia, including AFL, rugby league, and soccer, have concussion management protocols. Athletes should only return to play after medical clearance, following a step-by-step recovery process.
⏳ How Long Does Recovery Take?
Every brain is different. Most people start to feel better within 1–2 weeks; however, for others, symptoms can persist beyond the expected recovery period, and this is referred to as Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS). Adequate rest is important in the early stages, and the following are typically recommended. Trying to ‘push through’ can delay recovery
- A brief rest period (24–48 hours)
- Gradual return to light activity (like walking or schoolwork)
- Limiting screen time if it worsens symptoms
- A slow, gradual return to sport or school, guided by a medical practitioner
📝 The Importance of Neuropsychological Assessments in Concussion Recovery
A concussion should be taken seriously. The good news? With early recognition, assessments, proper care, and a cautious return to activity, most people make a full recovery. Neuropsychological assessments are essential for understanding the impact of a sports concussion on the brain and guiding the recovery process.
- Objective Measurement: These assessments track cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, and higher-order thinking skills, by comparing post-concussion performance with baseline results to gauge recovery.
- Identifying Subtle Symptoms: Even if an athlete appears fine, neuropsychological testing can reveal subtle cognitive challenges
- Ensuring a Safe Return to Play or School: Assessments help determine if the brain has healed sufficiently for safe participation in sports and a return to school, thereby reducing the risk of further injury.
- Guiding Recovery: Neuropsychological assessments can identify specific cognitive difficulties, enabling targeted treatment or rehabilitation to accelerate recovery.
How to Book an Appointment?
For further information about our concussion support services, get in touch below:
- Submit an enquiry – we will get back to you as soon as we can!
- Call us at (08) 6317 6000
- Email us at enquiries@bowyerpsychology.com.au
