Concussion is defined as “the acute neurophysiological event related to blunt impact or other mechanical energy applied to the head, neck or body which results in a transient disturbance of neurological function”.
The most commonly reported causes of concussion in New Zealand are falls, colliding with an object, being struck by a person (or animal) and driving-related accidents (including bike accidents; Although people often associate concussions with sporting accidents, this only accounts for 20 – 30% of events overall. Approximately one-third of sports-related concussions involve people playing rugby union.
If you broke a bone, you wouldn't take a wait and see approach in the hope you will get better. Without immediate specialist care, a bone is unlikely to repair correctly, causing problems for the rest of your life. The same principle applies to your brain!
The medical term for concussion is mTBI – mild Traumatic Brain Injury. While it sounds dramatic, nearly 35,000 Kiwis experience a concussion each year. Some interesting facts about concussion:
1 in 5 high school athletes will get a concussion
You do NOT have to get hit in the head to sustain a concussion
Girls are 4x more likely to get concussed than boys
The number one cause of concussions in New Zealand is falls

Learn the 3 R’s of Concussions
While some sports have a higher risk of concussions, it’s important to remember concussions can happen in any sport, and even outside of sports. It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of a concussion early. Review these symptoms for yourself and go over them with your children, and let them know that the signs of a concussion do not always appear immediately - concussion symptoms may show up hours or even a day after the head injury. You have the best chance of recovering from a concussion and avoiding complications if you follow the three R’s: recognize, report, and recover. Symptoms may include:
Headache
Confusion
Lack of coordination
Memory loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Sleepiness
Excessive fatigue
Anyone with a suspected concussion should be removed from any sports game and/or cease physical activity until they are assessed by a medical professional. Those with a suspected concussion should not be left alone or drive a motor vehicle.
Helpful links
Here are some helpful links to more detailed information on concussion:
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