A concussion injury is associated with various symptoms that can impact cognitive function, sleep patterns, mood, and physical abilities. This type of injury is particularly prevalent in athletes who engage in contact sports like Rugby. Amidst the current Rugby World Cup, we spoke to Dr Theo Farley, a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at ISEH with expertise in concussions.
Dr Farley offers valuable insights into this head injury, sharing some things you may not be aware of to enhance public awareness.
Concussion - some things you may not be aware of:
• Symptoms of concussion can present up to 48 hours after the initial mechanism of injury
• If you have high suspicion of concussion it is better to withdraw from sport and undertake relative rest for 48 hours even if initial symptoms are not present
• Concussion is not always after direct impact to the head. It can also occur after any impact to the body that transmits an impulse to the head (like a whiplash mechanism).
• There are 22 symptoms commonly associated with concussions and people often miss the injury because they're not suffering with the symptoms that they associate with the injury.
Symptoms associated with concussion include:
• Headaches
• Pressure in head
• Neck pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Balance problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling slowed down
• Feeling like “in a fog”
• “Don’t feel right”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Fatigue or low energy
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• More emotional
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Nervous or anxious
• Trouble falling asleep
It's important to note that concussions are traumatic brain injuries resulting from impacts or sudden jolts to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. The symptoms can vary widely and are of concern to everyone, not just athletes.
Dr Theo Farley is a dedicated specialist physiotherapist with expertise managing both elite athletes and active individuals for concussion related concerns and complaints at our leading sport, exercise and medicine facility.
Expert care, at our leading Concussion Clinic
At The Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), we have world-leading Concussion Clinic, a one-stop multidisciplinary Concussion Clinic
clinic for professional and amateur athletes with concussion-related issues.
Find out more.