GSMC are proud supporters of the
GSMC is committed to raising awareness of the Australian Sports Brain Bank.
Reducing the incidence in CTE and concussion management – particularly in the Country Football Code, and make real change in honour of a dear friend.
The mission of the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ASBB) is to understand the long term effects of repetitive head injury through detailed examination of the brain. They provide accurate diagnoses for loved ones, and use the donated tissue in research aimed at preventing and treating brain disease caused by brain trauma.
To Pledge your brain to research
visit www.brainbank.org.au
CTE is a form of brain disease which can occur at any age, and in most cases the first symptoms occur years or decades after brain injury. CTE can currently only be diagnosed by examining the brain after death.
Signs of CTE may include problems with thinking and memory, personality changes, and behavioural changes. These symptoms are not uncommon in many brain diseases. We need to understand CTE so that we can diagnose it in living people and develop effective treatments.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
While concussions and other brain injuries can happen in everyday life, some people are exposed more than others; in particular, contact sportspeople. If managed appropriately, most symptoms and signs of concussion will disappear. However, complications can include prolonged symptoms and brain disease such as CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
Concussion
What is it?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.
Symptoms of concussion
Concussion symptoms differ with each person and with each injury, and they may not be noticeable for hours or days.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty remembering or paying attention
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
- Feeling irritable, more emotional or “down.”
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bothered by light or noise
- Double or blurry vision
- Slowed reaction time
- Sleep problems
- Loss of consciousness
It is important to urgently see a doctor if you have any of the following:
- Seizure or convulsion
- Double vision, incoordination, clumsiness or walking abnormality
- Loss of consciousness or becoming progressively more drowsy
- Weakness and tingling in your arms or legs
- Vomiting
- Severe headache
- You are worried you have a skull fracture or you develop two black eyes or bruising behind the ear after your concussion
- Not acting normally, including abnormal drowsiness, increasing agitation, restlessness or combative-ness.
Once a concussion has been diagnosed, and a more significant brain injury ruled out, the following acute concussion management strategies are recommended:
- Staying in a dark room is NOT recommended.
- If you have a sore neck or dizziness after the concussion, seek treatment promptly from a qualified health professional leg. physiotherapist).
- See your GP if you need time off work or school or reduced hours of work/study
- ONLY 24-48 hours of relative rest, then a graded return to symptom-limited activity. Do what you can without making your symptoms significantly worse
- As you start to feel better, gradually increase the amount that you are doing
- An anti-inflammatory diet may assist with reducing symptoms.
- If symptoms worsen significantly, patients should re-present to ED/GP.
- If symptoms persist longer than 2-3 weeks, refer to a health professional experienced in managing concussion.
- Remember that in 70 – 80% of people, concussion symptoms resolve within 2-3 weeks
Concussion Management
Step 1
Suspected concussion
Step 2
Assessment
Step 3
Diagnosis and treatment
Step 4
Initial rest
Step 5
Gradual return to activity
Step 6
Clearance
Recognise and Remove
#IfInDoubtSitItOut
WHAT IS A SCAT 5 TEST?
Pre-season SCAT5 Testing is a standardised tool used for evaluating concussions designed for use by physicians and licensed healthcare professionals. The SCAT5 is useful for evaluating athletes aged 13 years and older and interpreting post-injury test scores. If your club is interested in performing SCAT5 testing and creating awareness and a duty of care for your players, please get in touch.
ONGOING SYMPTOMS & MANAGEMENT
Consult your GP or speak to a Concussion physio if you suffer from ongoing symptoms.
A concussion physio can help you manage symptoms such as headache, visual deficits, vestibular (dizziness) issues, balance issues, and neck pain. They can improve outcomes and speed recovery, and prevent long-term problems, plus provide you with advice on a safe return to play, school or work.
Download the GSMC Concussion Management Brochure
Hover Box Element
With a wealth of experience in neurological rehabilitation for over 15 years, Megan has a special interest in treating clients with Persistent Post Concussion Symptoms (PPCS) and Vestibular Disorders. She was a founding member of Victoria’s first multidisciplinary Concussion Clinic and has travelled to the USA to complete her training. Megan treats clients with Vestibular disorders such as Vestibular Neuronitis, vertigo and migraines, and other neurological conditions causing dizziness and balance problems.
- Concussion (Children and adults)
- Vestibular
- Pilates for neuro patients
- Hydrotherapy for neuro patients
Megan Hamilton
Concussion and Vestibular Physio
Hover Box Element
Drew is a physiotherapist with specialised experience treating people with concussions and mild brain injuries using research-based treatment. He provides therapy for neck-related headaches, dizziness, fatigue, neck pain and difficulty returning to life, plus Concussion management and post-concussion syndrome.
A former firefighter – Drew followed his passion for helping people and understanding how the body works and when he is not at GSMC, you can find him working at Concussion Central and in the hospitals with Barwon Health.