A concussion is a brain injury that affects how the brain functions. It can occur after a direct hit to the head, face, or neck, or from a force elsewhere on the body that causes the head to move suddenly.
Loss of consciousness only occurs in a small number of cases, so many concussions can be overlooked. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over several hours or days.
At Roslyn Physiotherapy, we do not directly treat concussion itself. However, we can help you understand your symptoms, identify when concussion may be present, and ensure you are directed to the right healthcare professionals for appropriate care.
We can also assess and treat neck pain and related symptoms that often occur alongside head injuries.
If you or someone else has had a head injury and may have a concussion, it is important to take the situation seriously.
If concussion is suspected:
Stop playing or training immediately
Do not return to sport the same day
Arrange assessment by a medical professional
If symptoms such as loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, severe headache, increasing confusion, or neck pain occur, urgent medical care should be sought.
Concussion affects people in different ways. Symptoms can vary and may change over time.
Common symptoms include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Feeling foggy, slowed down, or confused
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Sensitivity to light or noise
Fatigue or nausea
Changes in mood or behaviour
Importantly, a concussion is not always caused by a direct hit to the head and loss of consciousness occurs in only a small percentage of cases.
If a concussion is suspected during sport or activity, the person should be removed from play and assessed by a health professional. They should not return to sport on the same day.
Some symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Seek urgent medical help if someone experiences:
Loss of consciousness
Repeated vomiting
Increasing confusion or unusual behaviour
Severe or worsening headache
Double vision
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
Neck pain with worsening symptoms
These signs may indicate a more serious injury and should be assessed urgently.
Concussion recovery often involves input from several healthcare professionals. Our role is to help ensure people receive the right care at the right time.
We can help by:
Assessing symptoms after a head injury
Identifying when concussion may be present
Advising when medical review is required
Referring you to appropriate concussion services or medical providers
Treating neck pain, stiffness, and headaches that may occur alongside a head injury
Supporting a safe return to movement and activity
Neck injuries commonly occur at the same time as concussion. Treating neck stiffness and movement problems can help improve comfort and support recovery.
If concussion is suspected or confirmed, assessment by a medical professional is important.
Depending on the situation, this may involve referral to:
A GP or urgent care doctor
Sports and exercise medicine specialists
ACC concussion service providers
Other clinicians experienced in concussion management
These practitioners can confirm the diagnosis and guide recovery, including safe return to work, school, and sport.
If a concussion occurs during a rugby match or training, it should also be reported through the New Zealand Rugby concussion reporting system.
Submitting a report ensures the injury is formally recorded and helps ensure appropriate follow-up. In Dunedin, this process supports referral to the Axis Sports Medicine Concussion Service, which provides specialist concussion assessment and management.
If you have sustained a concussion during rugby, you can submit a report through the NZ Rugby concussion reporting link below.
Most people recover well from concussion with the right management.
Current guidelines recommend:
A short period of relative rest in the first 24–48 hours
Gradual return to normal daily activities
Progressive increase in physical and mental activity as symptoms allow
Returning to school or work usually happens before returning to sport, and activity should increase step-by-step under guidance from a healthcare professional.
For more detailed guidance on concussion recognition and management, you can refer to these resources:
These resources outline best-practice approaches for recognising concussion, early management, and safe return to activity.
