Concussion
Management
Concussion is a brain injury and is defined as a complex physiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces.
Concussion may be caused by either a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or body causing an impulsive force transmitted to the head.
It is important that all first aid personnel are aware of how to recognise and safely manage concussion.
Concussion in Sport Policy
Sports Medicine Australia’s 2018 Concussion in Sport policy was developed with the support of the New South Wales Office of Sport. This policy is a resource to help State Sporting Organisations recognise and manage concussion in sport, creating safe sporting environments.
Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport
The ‘Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport’ was devised at the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Amsterdam in October 2022 to help develop further conceptual understanding of sport-related concussion (SRC) using an expert consensus-based approach. Ultimately the aim of the Consensus Statement is to assist those involved in athlete care – whether at a recreational, elite or professional level – in managing concussion safely.
Other Resources
Some more commonly used resources in concussion management include:
- Concussion in Sport Australia Position Statement created in conjunction with AIS, AMA and ACSEP
- Concussion in Sport Australia website
- Pocket Concussion Recognition Tool
- SCAT 6 – Sports Concussion Assessment Tool
- SCAT 6 – For Children
- Concussion Recognition Tool 6
For sport specific concussion policies, please click on the appropriate link: