Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury, but that does not mean they should be taken lightly. Prompt and appropriate care can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes — especially when symptoms linger or go unrecognised. Whether you are dealing with a recent concussion or want to be prepared in case one occurs, understanding how to manage the injury effectively is an important step toward protecting your long-term brain health.
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre in Ballina, we work with patients experiencing a range of post-concussion symptoms. Our approach is research-informed, practical and grounded in real-world recovery. Here’s what you should know.
What Happens to the Brain During a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when a blow to the head, neck or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This can disrupt neural pathways, blood flow and energy balance in the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue
- Brain fog or slowed thinking
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety
These symptoms may appear immediately, but in some cases they can take hours or even days to show up.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Current clinical guidelines recommend that anyone suspected of having a concussion should be assessed by a healthcare professional within 72 hours of the injury. This early window allows for the identification of red flags and the development of a recovery plan tailored to the individual.
At our Ballina clinic, your assessment includes:
- A detailed case history
- Neurological screening
- Neck and musculoskeletal examination
- Balance and sensorimotor testing
- Symptom tracking and education
This comprehensive approach helps determine the severity of the concussion and identify any contributing physical issues such as neck strain or jaw dysfunction.
Recovery Is More Than Just Rest
Rest is important in the early stages of concussion recovery, but extended inactivity may actually slow down healing. After a short period of relative rest (typically 24–72 hours), gradual reintroduction of activity is often more beneficial.
We support patients through:
- Guided exercise programs to improve blood flow and regulate the autonomic nervous system
- Neck and jaw treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility
- Balance and vision retraining when sensorimotor symptoms are present
- Education around pacing, screen use and symptom triggers
- Referrals to other healthcare providers when required
Ongoing symptoms do not always mean a serious injury, but they can suggest that the brain is struggling to recover without support. Targeted rehabilitation may be able to help reduce these symptoms and prevent them from becoming persistent.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
If concussion symptoms persist beyond 4–6 weeks, a person may be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. This can include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Concentration difficulties
- Ongoing headache
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sleep disturbance
- Sensitivity to light or noise
In our experience, if people are experiencing obvious symptoms after 10 days, we treat them as if they will develop post-concussion syndrome with the hope of avoiding it altogether. At our clinic, we take a coordinated approach that focuses on both the physical and cognitive aspects of recovery.
What Is Baseline Concussion Testing?
Baseline testing is a proactive step taken before a concussion occurs. It involves recording an individual’s normal brain function using balance assessments, memory tasks, reaction time and symptom profiles. In the event of a future concussion, this baseline can be used to compare post-injury results and guide a safer return to sport or school.
Baseline testing may be particularly helpful for:
- Athletes in contact or high-risk sports
- Children and teens with growing brains
- People with a history of previous concussion
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we offer community education and support around concussion testing. If you are involved in a local club or sporting team and want to know more, get in touch to see how we can help.
Protecting the Brain in the Long Term
Proper management of a concussion can reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms and improve brain health over the long term. Returning to sport, work or school too early may increase the risk of re-injury and delay healing.
If you are involved in a local sporting club, workplace or school environment and would like to learn more about concussion education, our team is happy to help. We offer free information sessions to support coaches, parents and community groups in recognising and managing concussion safely.
A Community-Focused Approach to Concussion Care
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we are passionate about helping the Ballina and Northern Rivers community improve awareness around concussion. From early intervention to long-term support, we are here to guide you through every stage of your recovery.
If you or someone you know is dealing with concussion symptoms — whether from sport, a car accident or a fall — get in touch to book an assessment or learn more about how we may be able to help.