Concussion Services

A concussion can be sustained when there are biomechanical forces that are transmitted to the head from the body or as a direct blow. A concussion is diagnosed when there is acute physiological signs of concussion (ataxia, confusion, emotion, loss of consciousness) at the time of injury or there are symptoms and signs present within 72 hours of injury.

The most common symptoms following concussion are headache and fatigue. Other symptoms generally fall into three areas:

Emotional: Moody, teary, labile

Cognitive: Problem solving, concentration, memory

Physical: Dizzy, nauseated, difficulties with exercise, visual disturbance

Although many people with concussion recover to be symptom free within days to weeks some people take longer and require specific management. There is now strong evidence to support assessment and management of concussion with a multidisciplinary team of medical, physiotherapy, exercise physiology and neuropsychology.

Our team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists provide a comprehensive assessment and detailed rehabilitation plan to manage patients with persistent concussion symptoms. We have strong links with child, adolescent and adult psychological services and can link up when appropriate. We also have strong links with sports physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners who are experienced in this space.

Our leading concussion team have been heavily involved in research at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) since 2016. Research has investigated management of children and adolescents with sub-acute and chronic concussion with education, neuropsychology and physiotherapy. We have also collaborated with Monash University and the Turner Clinic with research in concussion management with neuropsychology and medicine in the adult population. See our research

Our concussion team regularly provide external education and have designed a 2 day course to upskill other clinicians on management of persistent symptoms post-concussion. We also run a 1 day advanced course. Click here for information on upcoming courses

In addition to this our team are involved with elite sporting clubs including the AFL, Rugby Union, Cricket Victoria, A-League and others. Katie Davies our principal physiotherapist was an advisor to the physiotherapy team at the Australian Institute of Sport for their concussion in sport guidelines that they released in 2024.

See AIS guidelines / videos

See Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiologist Concussion Service