Concussion and its management is an increasingly common and important presentation in General Practice.

There have been significant changes in the management of concussion especially concerning return to school, work and contact sports.

If you, or a family member suffers a concussion, we can assist in the management and guide you according to the recently updated guidelines.

The assessment and management does take time.  Please book a double appointment, ideally within 72 hours of the injury.  This will allow us to complete an assessment and a SCAT6 (an early concussion assessment tool).  If the assessment takes place outside of 72 hours it will likely require 2 appointments, an initial assessment and then a return appointment to complete a SCOAT6 (a longer concussion assessment tool).  As a minimum a final appointment is required for clearance prior to return to contact sport.

We have local referral pathways available for more complex concussions or those that are experiencing ongoing symptoms, including referral to the sports physicians at 10south.

As always if there is a concern about a significant head or neck injury the most appropriate initial assessment is via the emergency department at the time of the injury.