What Is a Concussion? (And What You Should Do Straight Away)
- Murray Leyland
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
I was just talking to my team recently and we were discussing concussion management.
Kieran was leading the session — he heads up the physio component at the Lake Macquarie Concussion Clinic and works closely with athletes going through this every week.
And one thing is clear:
Concussion is still widely misunderstood. Especially at community level. Parents. Coaches. Players.
A knock to the head happens… And the question becomes:
“Are they okay to keep playing?”
This is where things matter.
Let’s break it down.
what is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild brain injury.
It happens when: The brain accelerates or decelerates inside the skull
Think of it as a disruption to how the brain is functioning.
It’s not always something you can see. And that’s what makes it tricky.
the signs you should look for?
After a head knock, these are the key symptoms:
Dizziness
Confusion or disorientation
Headache
Vision issues
Light sensitivity
Mood changes
If any of these are present:
Assume it’s a concussion.
The Most important rule
If in doubt — sit them out
At community level, there’s usually:
No doctor on the sideline
No formal testing available
So trying to “be sure” isn’t the goal. Safety is.
Keeping someone on the field for another 10–20 minutes: Doesn’t help performance, but does increase risk
when should you go to the hospital?
Some signs need immediate medical attention:
Loss of consciousness
Vomiting
Seizures
Increasing headache
Ongoing confusion or inability to recognise surroundings
If you see these: Get them assessed straight away.
what about recovery?
This is where things often go wrong.
People are told: “Just rest from sport”
But continue with:
School
Work
Screens
High stimulation environments
And symptoms don’t improve. The Key? Your Brain Needs Rest Too
After a concussion, it’s not just physical rest. It’s cognitive rest.
That means reducing:
Screen time
Bright lights
Loud environments
Intense thinking tasks
Instead, focus on:
Low stimulation environments
Sleep
Gentle activity
Think: “Recharge the brain.”
what we do in rehab?
If symptoms persist, rehab becomes important.
We focus on:
1. Vestibular System (Balance & Dizziness)
Exercises to improve balance
Reduce dizziness
2. Eye Control
Gaze stability
Visual tracking
3. Neck Strength
Especially important in athletes
Weak neck muscles are linked to higher concussion risk
This is a big one: Stronger neck = better protection.
The Big Shift We’re Seeing
Years ago, it was: “Get up and keep playing”
Now it’s: Remove. Assess. Recover properly.
And that’s a good thing.
final thought
Concussion isn’t something to take lightly.
If there are symptoms:
Assume it’s a concussion
Remove from play
Let it recover properly
Because getting this right early: Protects athletes now — and long term
need help with concussion management?
If you or your child is dealing with a concussion — or not progressing as expected — this is something we take seriously.
Kieran and Amy both have extensive training in concussion management and work closely with athletes to guide a safe, structured return to sport.
If you’re unsure what to do next, book in with our team and let’s make sure it’s managed properly from the start.
Your Personal Best, Our Priority.
Murray Leyland
Director, Valley Physiotherapy
🎥 Didn’t catch the video earlier? Watch the video here.
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The discussion on concussion management highlights a critical gap in understanding, particularly at the community level. It's crucial to recognize that the decision-making process around whether an athlete continues playing after a head injury should not be taken lightly. With the emphasis on safety, a shift towards advanced training for coaches and parents is essential. As the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas Now can have long-term effects." Knowledge is power in these situations.
The discussion around concussion management sheds light on its complexity, particularly at the community level. The misconception that players should simply "tough it out" remains pervasive. Effective strategies must prioritize not just physical rest, but cognitive recovery as well. Addressing this issue is crucial for organizations like Winspirit https://www.bodyblueprint.co.nz/ to improve safety standards for young athletes. Understanding the signs and proper protocols is essential for their long-term health.
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