Concussion 101: What you need to know

Concussion awareness is becoming increasingly important — not just in sport, but in everyday life.

A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull. While it is often associated with contact sport, concussions can occur in a range of situations, including:

• Falls (at home, work, or outdoors)

• Hitting your head on a hard surface

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Sudden movements such as whiplash

• Collisions during recreational activity or daily tasks

Key point: it does not always take a significant impact to cause a concussion.

In many cases, symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop gradually over time.

What are the signs of a concussion?

Symptoms can vary between individuals and may evolve over hours or days. It is important to recognise both physical and cognitive changes.

Common signs include:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or loss of balance

• Nausea or sensitivity to light and noise

• Blurred or altered vision

• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

• Feeling slowed down or confused

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Mood changes (such as irritability, anxiety, or low mood)

Clinical note: If something feels “not quite right” following a knock or fall, it is important to take this seriously.

Why it’s important not to ignore symptoms

It can be easy to dismiss a mild head knock, particularly if symptoms appear manageable at first.

However, continuing normal activities without appropriate management may:

• Delay recovery

• Exacerbate symptoms

• Increase the risk of further injury

General rule: if there is any uncertainty, it is best to stop activity and seek advice.

What should you do if a concussion is suspected?

• Cease the activity immediately

• Avoid pushing through symptoms

• Monitor for changes over the next 24–48 hours

• Seek assessment from a qualified medical professional

Early intervention supports safer and more effective recovery.

Recovery: what actually helps

Recovery is not about complete inactivity, but rather controlled & gradual return to normal function.

Helpful strategies include:

·       Prioritising sleep and rest

·       Gradual reintroduction of daily activities

·       Reducing screen time if symptoms are aggravated

·       Keeping activity levels light and guided by symptoms

Recovery timelines vary, but most individuals improve well with appropriate management.

Key takeaway

Concussions can be subtle and are not limited to sporting environments.

Whether caused by a fall, accident, or minor impact, recognising symptoms early and responding appropriately is essential.

When it comes to brain health, a cautious approach is always recommended.