Concussion Clinic at MIHP

The Concussion Clinic brings together specialists from neurosurgery and sports medicine to give expert advice on brain injury, and is the first dedicated concussion clinic in the North West.

This unique multidisciplinary team allows for best-practice assessment and treatment, but also strives to inform the future of concussion management through research.

Our clinic is available to non-athletes as well as amateur and professional athletes.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a condition that causes a temporary disruption in the normal functioning of the brain as a result of an injury. This injury is often classed as ‘minor’ and can happen as a result of a fall, road accident, assault or as part of playing sports such as football, rugby and hockey.

People with concussions may act confused, and often can’t remember what happened immediately before or after the injury. Contrary to popular belief, less than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness and this can be so momentary that it’s missed altogether.

Symptoms of a concussion

Concussion affects different people in different ways. The most common symptoms are dizziness and a headache, but people report a wide range of symptoms that can include:

• vertigo
• hearing loss
• blurred vision
• light and noise sensitivity
• diminished taste and smell
• personality change
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• memory dysfunction
• impaired concentration and attention
• acute management and return to activity

Managing a concussion

The initial management of a concussion involves a period of physical and mental rest, meaning that the patient should try to limit activities that stimulate the mind such as excessive use of electronic devices, watching television or even driving.

Once the symptoms have completely resolved, the individual undergoes a programme of gradually increasing stimulation and activity before they are medically cleared to return to all activities.

Around 80–90% of patients with acute concussions have an uncomplicated recovery, generally resolving in 7 to 10 days.

Tests and treatments

• Specialist clinical assessment
• Return to school/play advice
• Complex concussion management
• Screening of cognitive and emotional symptoms
• Balance problem assessment
• Visual disturbance assessment
• Pre-season screening and assessment for amateur and professional athletes.

We also offer education programmes around concussions for amateur and professional clubs.

Meet the team