Concussion
New Expanded Service for our Concussion Clinic
Sport and Exercise Physician | Managing Director
Published
November 24, 2021
Sport and Exercise Physician | Managing Director
Published
November 24, 2021
As you may know, we run an Acute Sports Concussion Clinic at both of our Auckland sites. This is an interdisciplinary clinic that involves an assessment from a doctor and physiotherapist (as well as input from other clinicians as needed). While many of our patients are referred to this service, no referral is needed. The clinic is supported by our ACC Concussion Service, for those who do not get better or who have more complex needs.
We have recently decided to expand our Acute Concussion Service to include all patients who have sustained a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, not just sport-related injuries.
Historically the most widely prescribed treatment for concussion was complete rest. Over the past decade, it has become clear that this can make it less likely that a patient will recover quickly. While in most cases, it is still important to rest to some extent, it is increasingly recognised that taking a more proactive approach to treatment is beneficial.
At Axis, we employ this 'Active Recovery’ approach. This generally involves physical activity, physiotherapy techniques, and other treatments tailored to the patient's individual needs and symptoms. International research, including data collected at our clinics, has clearly shown that this approach leads to a more rapid and reliable recovery.
As part of running an acute concussion service over the past few years, we have learnt a great deal about concussion and how to manage patient recovery.
Some of the key learnings have been:
Further details of our findings can be found in this research paper worked on by members of our concussion team.
If you have a patient who you suspect may have suffered a concussion, refer to us now by emailing [email protected]. We can see them within a week of their booking. To ensure your referral is prioritised, please note Acute Concussion Referral in the subject line.
If you have any questions regarding our concussion service or other services we offer please feel free to get in touch.