LowMed - Concussion Centre
LowMed - Health and Sport Performance Centre

Concussion Management

Get Back in the Game Safely

What is Concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury with altered brain function. It may be caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head or by the head striking something else such as the ground or a bony hip. A concussion can occur whether or not a person is “knocked out”.

A concussion typically causes the rapid onset of impaired brain function that mostly resolves spontaneously with time.

However, occasionally there can be a more significant or longer lasting problem, and it is important that the symptoms from every concussion be monitored by team medics and doctors who understand concussion management protocol.

When you suffer a concussion, you may have the following brain function fall-out:

  • Physical symptoms e.g., headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, loss of balance and visual disturbances.
  • Concentration difficulties, memory loss, difficulty reading or using a computer.
  • Emotional changes such as mood swings, irritability and aggression.
  • Sleeping pattern changes such as sleeping more or difficulty falling asleep.
LowMed - Health and Sport Performance Centre

Preseason Testing

We offer medical screening, basic neurocognitive and advanced Neuro Cervico-vestibular baseline testing for all levels and ages of contact sport players.

Baseline Concussion tests need to be done on an annual basis before contact sport training starts to account for changes in physical & cognitive maturity & development. Therefore, the baseline test of the previous year can’t be used to compare post injury tests.

Advanced Neuro-Cervico-Vestibular baseline test is only recommended for previously complicated concussions and people with eye abnormalities such as astigmatism.

The baseline test fee structure is a once off cost and it includes the initial test and post injury testing, but it does not include the consultation of the general practitioner (GP) or Physiotherapist.

It is advised that all students who participate in the following sports, take advantage of this offer and do the baseline test before their season commence: rugby, soccer, hockey, horse riding & cycling.

(Please note, should a child not have a baseline test on file with LowMed – a post injury test will cost substantially more. In some cases, a child may need as many as 3 or more post injury assessments before being cleared to return to play, which are invoiced individually per appointment/test.)

Testing will be done at Harry Wiltshire Biokinetics

Contact Elize:
LowMed - Health and Sport Performance Centre

Management Post Concussion

Medical management, post concussion testing, Neuro Cervico-vestibular rehabilitation, Gradual Return to Sport or Work rehabilitation and medical clearance after concussion.

All athletes will need to be seen by a medical doctor immediately after a concussion and cleared by a doctor before returning to sport.

Advanced Neuro-Cervico-Vestibular testing and post-concussion rehabilitation is done at Francios Theron Physiotherapists.

Contact Anneli:
LowMed - Health and Sport Performance Centre

Contact Details

Dr Kobus Hugo
Mobile
076 766 0332 (WhatsApp)
Operating Hours
Thursdays from 14:00 only at the Francois Theron Physiotherapy rooms in Orange Street, Nelspruit.

Email
biokinetics@lowmed.co.za
Operating Hours
Mon - Friday: 05:00 - 18:00
Holidays & Weekends: Standby

Lowmed Office
Email
physiotherapy@lowmed.co.za
Accounts
Email
fafyster@mweb.co.za
Nelspruit Hoërskool (NHS) office Operating Hours
Mon - Friday: 07:30 - 17:00
Holidays & Weekends: Standby

Phone
running@lowmed.co.za
Operating Hours
Mon - Friday: 07:30 - 17:00

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