A concussion (which is also a form of “mild” traumatic brain injury) can be caused by a knock to the head or other significant force.  Symptoms of concussion typically resolve within the first few weeks of injury (it is quite normal to have these symptoms for anywhere from a few days to around 4 to 6 weeks). These can include headache, dizziness, difficulty managing bright lights or noisy environments, poor concentration and/ or memory, fatigue, irritability and low mood. However, a smaller proportion of people (up to 25%) find they continue to experience symptoms which interfere with their ability to work, their relationships and their recreation beyond 1 to 3 months after the subject injury. 

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Extensive research from around the world has highlighted a number of risk factors to identify those who may experience prolonged concussion symptoms. Such risk factors include previous loss of consciousness/head injuries, previous mental health concerns (particularly anxiety) and migraines. There is good evidence that persistent symptoms of concussion may be maintained by psychological factors such as anxiety/arousal, misattribution of symptoms, beliefs about the condition and recovery, as well as other physiological symptoms including the distracting effects of pain/headache/dizziness or poor sleep.

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Monash University researchers* are currently trialling an Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation for Recovery program (i-RECOveR) which is based on decades of international research.  i-RECOveR is a structured program which includes treatment from neuropsychologists, neurophysiotherapists and medical practitioners.  This program is currently undergoing a randomised controlled trial, and it will form the structure for the Service.

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Clients referred to the Service will receive initial assessment by the three specialties of neuropsychology, neurophysiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine followed by the treatment over a roughly 12-week program (up to eight sessions of neuropsychology, eight sessions of neurophysiotherapy, and two to three medical appointments, as required).

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*Nguyen, J. V. K., McKay, A., Ponsford, J., Davies, K., Makdissi, M., Drummond, S. P. A., Reyes, J., & Willmott, C. (2022). Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation for Concussion Recovery (i-RECOveR): protocol of an investigator blinded, randomised, case series with multiple baseline design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week treatment for persistent post-concussion symptoms. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8(1), 1–198.