Concussion can present differently from person to person, and early advice is often inconsistent. Proper assessment is critical to understand symptoms, identify risk factors, and guide early management decisions. Our concussion assessment service uses recognised clinical tools and current best practice to provide clarity following injury and to support safer recovery.
Concussion Assessment & Management.
What does a concussion assessment involve?
Concussion assessments are completed by a registered physiotherapist and follow recognised concussion frameworks, including SCOAT6 for adults and Child SCOAT6 for children and adolescents.
Assessments may include:
A detailed clinical interview and symptom history
Standardised assessment using SCOAT6 / Child SCOAT6
Cognitive screening and comparison to baseline data where available
Balance, neurological, visual, and vestibular screening
Clinical interpretation to identify recovery risk and guide management
Where a baseline pre-concussion test has been completed, results can be compared directly to the individual’s own data. If no baseline exists, age-related normative values are used.
How concussion is managed.
Modern concussion management is not based on prolonged rest or pushing through symptoms. Current guidelines support early, structured, symptom-guided management.
Early management focuses on:
Education and symptom understanding
Identifying factors that may prolong recovery
Guiding appropriate levels of cognitive and physical activity
Monitoring symptoms and response to graded activity
Progression is individualised and guided by symptom response rather than fixed timelines. Detailed return-to-learn, return-to-work, and return-to-sport planning is addressed separately using appropriate protocols.
FAQs.
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No.
You can book a concussion assessment directly. -
Ideally within the first few days after the concussion.
Early assessment reduces uncertainty, provides clear guidance, and ensures safe progression. -
An initial concussion assessment is a comprehensive 60min, physiotherapist-led concussion evaluation using:
SCOAT6 (for adults)
Child SCOAT6 (for children)
Balance testing
Visual-vestibular assessment
Symptom and function scoring
Clinical interview
Cognigram Computer Cognitive Test
Review of baseline data (if available)
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No problem.
Many concussion tools use age-based normative values, which serve as a reference point when no baseline exists.
We can still accurately assess concussion severity and recovery. -
We develop a structured recovery plan that may include:
Symptom management strategies
Visual/vestibular exercises
Graded return-to-learn and return-to-activity steps
Load management
Progression through recognised return-to-play stages
You’ll know exactly what to do and what not to do at each stage.
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If recovery stalls, we will guide the appropriate referral.
This may include:Sports medicine
Neurology
Psychology
Optometry
Vestibular theray
We only refer to highly qualified specialists when clinically indicated.
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It depends on your recovery profile.
Typically, we review you at key milestones matching recognised RTP stages, such as:Clearance for light activity
Non-contact training
Contact training
Return-to-play clearance
Some individuals require more frequent monitoring depending on symptoms and sport demands.
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Yes.
Assessments are provided by registered physiotherapists and are billed as Physiotherapy – Concussion Assessment.
Rebate amounts depend on your extras cover.