How to deal with 'profound life impact' of concussion

Concussion is a common sporting injury from community level right up to the top levels of competition – and it can have life-long repercussions.

For one former amateur footballer, the physiotherapy-led concussion clinic at Epworth Geelong hospital in Victoria has been a vital service as he seeks to recover from multiple traumatic blows suffered while playing.

Kieren Walsh believes he sustained at least five concussions in the school yard and on the footy field before his 21st birthday.

"I didn't realise what concussion was at the time," he said.

"I remember once in class, I had to ask a classmate their name three times even though I'd met them several times before.

"Then I couldn't remember my walk home from school.''

At age 22, Kieren sustained another two concussions just a few weeks apart, and the symptoms lingered for months.

Then a medical student, he was struggling to focus, he had a worsening sensitivity to screens and light, and his head would "go foggy" when he tried to exercise.

Kieren was referred to Epworth Geelong's concussion clinic, which provides patients from 16 years of age with early access to expert clinical guidance.

This includes baseline assessments as appropriate, an assessment of current state post-concussion, provision of exercises to aid recovery, advice around the return to work or sport and referrals to medical specialists as required.

For those with prolonged symptoms, management by a multidisciplinary team is important.

Epworth Geelong also offers concussion care through their outpatient rehabilitation program to meet the needs of these patients.

Led by a rehabilitation physician, this service offers access to psychology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and physiotherapy.

Epworth Geelong's Physiotherapy Manager, Hannah Teasdale, said research showed early advice and intervention post-concussion could lead to improved recovery times and a decrease in symptom severity.

"If you have suffered a concussion, it is important to be cautious and seek advice early from a trained professional, to guide recovery, enhance knowledge and optimise outcomes," she said.

"Patients often rest for a short time and then aim to return to their full paced routine of life, sport and work.

"There is no sling on their arm and nothing visible for others to see. It is often difficult for concussion sufferers to apply boundaries around their capacity, to enable their brain to recover from the injury."

Ms Teasdale said knowledge of the condition and the recovery process was powerful in helping patients to make good decisions around recovery.

"Up to 30 percent of concussion patients take more than four weeks to recover and the life impact of concussion can be profound," she said.

Kieren was treated at the concussion clinic for six months during his recovery, and his symptoms had a significant impact on his life.

His recovery required a lot of postural and eye exercises, as well as learning strategies to help him manage his symptoms day-to-day.

Kieren said he was sharing his story to help raise awareness of post-concussion symptoms and the seriousness of head injuries, particularly among country football clubs, which he was passionate about.

"The Epworth Geelong Concussion Clinic is an incredible service because getting in early is so important," he said.

Epworth HealthCare – Victoria's largest not-for-profit private hospitals group – has a longstanding partnership with AFL Barwon, including sponsorship of the women's football and netball competitions.

Read more: Epworth puts focus on concussion recovery

Read more: New robots boost Geelong healthcare options

Next Safety And Quality:
27/5/2025 Cancer centre offers tattoo-free therapy

Previous Safety And Quality:
6/5/2025 Icon partnership opens access to advanced cancer care