Frequently asked questions.

  • Any athlete involved in contact or collision sport.

    More data = better decisions.

    Baseline testing is especially important for juniors where symptoms may be harder to interpret and cognitive profiles change as they grow.

  • Before the season begins.
    We recommend completing baselines in the pre-season period (Jan–April) so results are ready and stored if a concussion occurs during the year.

  • Every season.

    Cognitive performance changes with age, development, fatigue, learning, injury history, and training load — especially in children and adolescents. Even senior players are advised to repeat their baseline annually.

  • You will receive:

    • A summary of your Cognigram® baseline results

    • A summary of your symptom and outcome measure data

    • Confirmation that your baseline is on file for comparison if you sustain a concussion

  • Within 1–2 business days.
    You will receive an email directly from both YourBrainHealth & Cognigram with instructions.

  • You may submit your receipt to your private health fund if you wish; however rebates on contactless screenings are uncommonly approved by health insurers and cannot be guaranteed. However, any Post-injury concussion consultations in clinic are claimable on-the-spot via HICAPS depending on your level of extras cover.

  • No.
    Baseline data improves accuracy, but if no baseline is available, we use age-related norms and validated tools to assess you effectively.

Baseline Pre-Concussion Testing.

  • No. Gippsland Concussion Clinic is not designed to manage every type of concussion or head injury.

    Our clinic has been set up primarily for sports-related concussion and early post-concussion assessment and management. This includes helping athletes, parents and sporting clubs navigate symptoms, recovery, return-to-learn, return-to-work, return-to-training and return-to-play decisions.

    We may not be the most appropriate service for:

    • longstanding symptoms many months after injury

    • complex falls in older adults

    • head injuries involving multiple medical issues

    • significant balance, neurological or cognitive concerns

    • cases where broader medical investigation or specialist input is required

    Where a presentation falls outside our scope, we will advise this and recommend a more appropriate medical or specialist pathway.

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes.
    Assessments are provided by registered physiotherapists and are billed as Physiotherapy – Concussion Assessment.
    Rebate amounts depend on your extras cover.

Concussion Asessment & Management.

  • Yes.
    We follow sport-specific, evidence-based, and age-appropriate RTP protocols.
    Different sports have different requirements (AFL, soccer, rugby, netball, hockey, etc.) — and we adhere to them.

  • Yes.
    We provide clear written communication for:

    • Schools

    • Coaches

    • Clubs

    • Team managers

    • Sports trainers

      These outline what the athlete can and cannot do at each stage.

  • In many cases, yes.
    Physiotherapists can provide clearance depending on the sport’s governing rules.
    Some sports require GP or specialist sign-off.
    If GP clearance is needed, we will determine readiness and provide all supporting documentation to fast-track formal clearance.

  • Yes.
    Return-to-learn is often overlooked but crucial. We provide:

    • School workload modifications

    • Classroom and screen-time adjustments

    • PE exemptions

    • Progression steps back to full activity

    • Written guidance for teachers and wellbeing staff

  • It varies by age, symptoms, and sport.
    Most recreational RTP protocols require a minimum 21 days, but many athletes need longer depending on recovery patterns.

  • We reassess and adjust your stage.
    Returning symptoms mean the load was too high, and we modify the plan immediately to prevent prolonged recovery.

Return to Train | Play | Learn.

  • Yes — we manage concussions in children, adolescents, and adults.

  • Yes. All baseline and post-injury data is stored in secure clinical systems and used only for concussion management.

  • Yes. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be assessed early.

  • Only briefly. Modern protocols recommend early, structured, light activity — not extended rest.

General.