A concussion doesn’t need a knockout blow or a visible injury to matter. Whether it happens on the football oval in Rosebud, the netball courts in Dromana, or during a family bike ride along the McCrae foreshore, a knock to the head – or even a hard knock to the body that jolts the head – can affect the brain in ways that aren’t always obvious straight away.
Understanding what actually happens inside the brain after an impact helps parents, coaches and players know what to look for, and why taking it seriously matters. This article walks through the basics of concussion physiology and what a sensible, evidence-informed response looks like.
What Happens Inside the Brain After an Impact
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden movement of the head, which causes the brain to shift within the skull. This rapid acceleration and deceleration can stretch and disturb brain cells, triggering a cascade of chemical changes. Energy demand in the brain temporarily increases while blood flow can be reduced, creating a mismatch that is thought to contribute to many of the symptoms people experience.
Importantly, concussion is a functional injury rather than a structural one – standard scans like CT or MRI typically appear normal, which is why concussion is generally diagnosed through clinical assessment rather than imaging alone. This is also why concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula usually involves a combination of history-taking, symptom checklists, balance, vision and cognitive screening, rather than a single test.
Recognising the Signs
Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following hours, and they don’t always look dramatic. Recognised signs include:
- Headache, pressure in the head, or dizziness
- Confusion, feeling “foggy” or slowed down
- Balance problems or unsteadiness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Changes in mood, such as irritability or feeling unusually emotional
- Sleep disturbance, either sleeping more or less than usual
Because symptoms can be subtle, junior sports players and young athletes are sometimes reluctant to report them, particularly if they’re keen to stay on the field. Coaches and parents play an important role in watching for changes in behaviour, coordination or communication during and after activity.
Why “Wait and See” Isn’t the Safe Approach
A common misconception is that if a player seems fine after a few minutes, they’re safe to continue. Current concussion guidelines, including those used across community and elite Australian sport, recommend that any athlete suspected of having a concussion be removed from play immediately and not returned to activity that same day. This applies across sports commonly played on the Mornington Peninsula, including AFL, netball, football (soccer), basketball and cricket.
This cautious approach exists because the brain is considered more vulnerable to further injury in the period following a concussion, and symptoms can evolve or worsen over the following hours. Removing a player from the field is not about ruling out concussion definitively – it’s about giving the brain the best chance to be properly assessed before any decisions are made.
The Role of Assessment and Monitoring
Because there is no single test that confirms a concussion on the sideline, a structured approach to assessment matters. Osteopaths trained through the Complete Concussions (CCMI) framework use a combination of tools to build a clearer picture of how the brain and body are functioning after an impact, and to help track recovery over time. You can read more about our approach to concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula and what an assessment typically involves.
Ongoing monitoring is just as important as the initial check. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, and symptoms can fluctuate as someone returns to school, work, screens or sport. Regular follow-up helps support a more informed, gradual return rather than relying on how someone “feels” on a given day.
Supporting Safer Return to Sport and Learning
Recovery from concussion generally involves a graded return to both learning and sport, guided by symptom response rather than a fixed timeframe. Pushing back into full training, screen time or study too quickly can aggravate symptoms and may prolong recovery for some people. A staged approach, reviewed along the way, allows adjustments to be made if symptoms reappear.
This is where working with a clinician familiar with current concussion frameworks can support families and clubs in making more informed decisions – not by guaranteeing a particular outcome, but by providing structured information to guide the next step. Our range of conditions we treat includes concussion alongside other injuries commonly seen in community sport across McCrae, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye.
Building Awareness in Local Clubs and Schools
Concussion education isn’t only useful after an injury has occurred – awareness before the season starts can help coaches, teachers and parents recognise the signs earlier and respond appropriately. We run a free concussion workshop for local clubs, schools and families who want a clearer understanding of concussion recognition and response.
If you’re unsure whether a knock needs assessment, or want to understand what concussion testing involves for someone on the Mornington Peninsula, speaking with a trained clinician is a sensible first step. Early, informed assessment supports better decision-making – for players, parents and the clubs that care for them.
Frequently asked questions
How soon do concussion symptoms appear after an impact?
Symptoms can appear immediately or develop gradually over the following hours. This is one reason ongoing observation matters, even if someone seems fine straight after the knock.
Can you have a concussion without losing consciousness?
Yes. Most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion or fogginess are far more common indicators than blacking out.
Do scans like CT or MRI show a concussion?
Usually not. Concussion is a functional brain injury, so standard imaging typically appears normal. This is why concussion is generally assessed clinically rather than through scans alone.
When should a young athlete see a clinician after a head knock?
Any suspected concussion warrants assessment, ideally before returning to sport or full activity. A trained clinician can help guide the next steps based on symptoms and history.
How does concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula work?
It typically involves a combination of symptom checklists, balance, vision and cognitive screening alongside a detailed history, rather than a single definitive test. This supports informed decisions about recovery, not a guarantee of outcome.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.