JSM Concussion

• Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury without any structural change to the brain
• There is a rapid stretching of the nerve cells in the brain from a direct blow to the head or body
• This results in transient changes in the electrical activity, energy use and blood flow in the brain
• Can result in a wide variety of symptoms depending on what part of the brain is involved, including headache, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating or remembering, irritability, balance problems or feeling tired

It is important to look out for red flags that may indicate you have a more serious head injury:

• increasing headache
• significant visual disturbance
• nausea and vomiting
• excessive drowsiness

Please ensure someone is staying at home with you and do not drive

If you develop any red flag symptoms, go to the Emergency Department immediately

1. Avoid activities that increase your symptoms
2. Avoid excessive screen time as this slows recovery
3. Avoid situations with excessive noise
4. Avoid alcohol and sleeping medication
5. Continue with normal daily activities
6. Wear sunglasses when outside in bright sunshine

We will guide you through a stepwise return to school, work and sport as part of your concussion management plan.

Call us for appointment and consultation 6344 6668

Overstimulation in the early stages of a concussion can provoke symptoms and delay recovery. Common triggers include: loud or crowded environment, bright sunlight without sunglasses, excessive use of phones, screens, or video games or tasks that demand intense concentration

It is important that you continue to participate in normal daily actives in the early stages of concussion. Bed rest is not required apart from your normal sleep. If you chose to go for a walk outside make sure you wear sunglasses to avoid overstimulation.

What you eat can have a big influence on you recovery from concussion. It is recommended to consume unprocessed whole foods including fruit and vegetables, meats and nuts while avoiding highly processed foods and refined sugars. It is also recommended to keep well hydrated drinking 2 to 3L (for adults) of water throughout the day.

Getting adequate sleep is essential after your concussion. Try and keep to a regular sleep schedule and make sure you have a good sleeping environment that is dark, quiet and cool. Try and avoid sleeping excessively during the day. Having short naps (<30mins) is acceptable but only if required. In some situations your doctor may recommend melatonin to assist with your sleep.

A graduated return to learn/work is a step-by-step approach that helps you ease back into academic activities after a concussion, ensuring you won ’t provoke your symptoms. This process begins with a brief period of rest (24–48 hours), followed by a gradual reintroduction of cognitive tasks—such as reading, homework, and attending classes/work—while monitoring for any symptom recurrence or escalation.

After your initial review, your doctor will provide a step-by-step plan for safe return to sport. Each stage involves gradually increasing exercise and training. Progression only occurs when you are symptom-free at the current stage. Recovery time varies for each individual.

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in concussion rehabilitation by addressing physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and balance issues through targeted therapies like vestibular rehabilitation and cervical spine treatment. Additionally, physiotherapists guide patients through individualised, graded exercise programs to safely restore physical activity tolerance, aiding a structured return to daily activities and sports.