<![CDATA[Peninsula Concussion Clinic - Blog Posts]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:53:10 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[What Happens to the Brain After a Concussion?]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:03:15 GMThttps://www.peninsulaconcussionclinic.com.au/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-concussion/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-concussion​A concussion causes temporary changes inside the brain that affect how brain cells communicate and produce energy. Understanding what happens to the brain after a concussion can help patients, parents and healthcare professionals understand why symptoms occur and why proper management is essential.
Infographic showing what happens to the brain after a concussion including the stages of brain injury and recovery.
Stage 1: The Initial Impact
​A concussion occurs when the brain experiences rapid acceleration, deceleration or rotational forces. This can happen during sport, a fall, a motor vehicle accident or any impact that causes the brain to move quickly inside the skull.
Although the brain is protected by cerebrospinal fluid, these sudden forces can stretch and temporarily disrupt nerve cells (neurons). Importantly, this injury is usually microscopic and cannot be seen on standard CT or MRI scans.
Stage 2: A Temporary Energy Crisis
Immediately after the injury, the brain undergoes what researchers often describe as a metabolic or energy crisis.
Damaged nerve cells release large amounts of neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate. This causes an imbalance of important minerals such as potassium and calcium, forcing brain cells to work much harder to restore normal function.
At the same time, the brain requires more energy while its ability to produce energy is reduced. This mismatch helps explain why people often experience:
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Brain fog
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
Stage 3: Recovery and Healing
Over the following days and weeks, the brain begins to recover.
Inflammation settles, damaged nerve connections begin repairing themselves and normal communication between brain cells gradually returns.
For most people, symptoms improve steadily with conservative management. However, returning to work, school or sport too quickly can overload the recovering brain and prolong symptoms.
Current concussion guidelines recommend a gradual return to normal activities under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
Every concussion is different. Some people recover within a couple of weeks, while others experience symptoms that persist for months.
At Peninsula Concussion Clinic, we perform comprehensive concussion assessments to identify the specific systems affected by your injury. We then develop an individualised rehabilitation plan to support a safe return to work, school, exercise and sport.
Early assessment and evidence-based management can help optimise recovery and reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.
If you or someone you know has sustained a concussion, seeking professional advice is the first step towards a safe recovery.
Book an appointment today at Peninsula Concussion Clinic.
Lachlan Williams
Concussion Management Expert- Osteopath
]]><![CDATA[When Can You Return to Sport After a Concussion?]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:38:32 GMThttps://www.peninsulaconcussionclinic.com.au/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-concussion/when-can-you-return-to-sport-after-a-concussionOne of the most common questions we hear at Peninsula Concussion Clinic is, "When can I play sport again?" While every concussion is different, returning too soon can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms or another injury. That's why a structured, evidence-based return-to-sport plan is so important.In the first 2-4 weeks after a concussion. The first 24-48 hours relative rest is recommended. This means avoiding activities that significantly worsen symptoms while gradually reintroducing light daily tasks as tolerated. Complete bed rest is no longer considered the best approach.
As symptoms begin to improve, gentle physical activity such as walking or stationary cycling may be introduced under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The goal is to progressively increase activity while ensuring symptoms do not significantly worsen.
Returning to full training or competition should only occur once the individual has successfully completed each stage of a graduated return-to-sport program. This process usually involves increasing physical demands over several days while monitoring symptoms. If symptoms return, the individual should step back to the previous stage before progressing again.
Recovery time varies between individuals. The vast majority recover within weeks, while others require longer, particularly if symptoms persist or there have been previous concussions.
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At Peninsula Concussion Clinic, we provide comprehensive assessments and personalised return-to-sport plans based on the latest concussion guidelines. Our aim is to help you return to the activities you enjoy safely and confidently while reducing the risk of further injury.
If you or someone you know has recently sustained a concussion, don't guess when it's safe to return. A professional assessment can provide clarity, reassurance and a tailored recovery plan.
Lachlan Williams
Concussion Management Expert
]]><![CDATA[Recognising Concussion]]>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:15:38 GMThttps://www.peninsulaconcussionclinic.com.au/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-concussion/recognising-concussionIdentifying the symptoms of a concussion is crucial for swift diagnosis and effective management. While certain symptoms, like loss of consciousness or intense headache, may be readily apparent, others can be more subtle and easily overlooked.
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Common indicators of concussion include:
  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Feeling "foggy" or disoriented
  • Changes in mood or behaviour, such as irritability or anxiety
​It's important to recognise that symptoms may differ from person to person and may evolve over time. Some individuals may only experience a few symptoms, while others may exhibit a combination of several. Additionally, symptoms may be more pronounced immediately after the injury and gradually improve over days or weeks. However, they may also persist for an extended period.

At Peninsula Concussion Clinic, we emphasise the significance of recognising these symptoms promptly to facilitate timely diagnosis and tailored management strategies for our patients.

Our clinic services the region of Mornington Peninsula from Somerville, Frankston, Pearcedale, Mt. Eliza and Hastings, all the way to Safety Beach, Dromana, Mornington and Rye.

Lachlan Williams

Concussion Management Expert

]]><![CDATA[Understanding Concussion- The Basics]]>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:27:58 GMThttps://www.peninsulaconcussionclinic.com.au/what-happens-to-the-brain-after-a-concussion/understanding-concussion-the-basicsConcussion, a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs when the brain experiences sudden movement or impact within the skull. This can result from incidents such as a blow to the head, a fall, or any forceful jolt that causes the brain to shift rapidly back and forth. Concussions can disrupt normal brain function, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in mood or behaviour. Picture
At Peninsula Concussion Clinic, we understand loss of consciousness may not always be present, and symptoms may not immediately manifest after the injury. In some cases, symptoms may appear hours or even days later. Therefore, it's crucial to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if a concussion is suspected, especially if hallmark signs such as confusion, memory loss, or persistent headache are observed.

Effective management of concussions at Peninsula Concussion Clinic involves a period of relative rest, encompassing both physical and cognitive aspects, to facilitate brain healing. This includes avoiding or modifying activities that could worsen symptoms, such as physical exertion, excessive screen time, or mentally demanding tasks. Any return to normal activities should be supervised by our healthcare professionals, who closely monitor for recurrence or worsening of symptoms.

By understanding the fundamentals of concussions and adhering to appropriate management protocols at Peninsula Concussion Clinic, individuals can optimise their recovery process and minimise the risk of potential complications associated with this type of brain injury.

Our clinic services the region of Mornington Peninsula from Somerville, Frankston, Langwarrin, Mt. Eliza and Hastings, all the way to Mount Martha, Balnarring, Mornington and Sorrento.

Lachlan Williams

Concussion management expert- Osteopath

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