A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury, is caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere on the body with a force to the head.
A person with a concussion might not need to go to hospital/doctor immediately, but it is important to note that signs and symptoms may appear hours or even days later. Also there does not need to be loss of consciousness in order to sustain a concussion.
As a result of concussion some people may experience emotional, behavioural and thinking problems which can interfere with their lives. Most of these problems resolve within three months. However some of these symptoms may persist beyond this period. This is known as Post Concussion Syndrome.
Most concussions are short lived and will resolve within 3 weeks. With a concussion, a peron should book to see their GP for a checkup 7-10 Days post injury to ensure recovery is on track If symptoms do not resolve within 3 weeks then they will need to be referred to a concussion service.