A pilot concussion clinic for children has opened at Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) to kickstart early treatment and help with recovery.
The Concussion Essentials Clinic implementation project, an evidence-based paediatric concussion clinic study, will provide treatment and guide recovery for those aged eight to 18 years with persisting symptoms.
Victorian Minister Danny Pearson visited MCRI to announce the pilot alongside MCRI Director Professor Kathryn North AC and MCRI Professor Vicki Anderson.
Image: Victorian Minister Danny Pearson, Indigo, Prof Vicki Anderson, Prof Kathryn North AC, AFL Head of Concussion Innovation and Research Cathy Willmott and RCH Chief Allied Health Officer Doug McCaskie at the MCRI announcement.
One in five children will experience a concussion before the age of 10, mainly due to falls, playground accidents or playing sport. About a quarter will still experience symptoms a month after the head injury.
Professor Anderson said the multi-disciplinary project would be a game-changer for children who could take twice as long as adults to recover from a concussion.
The team was awarded a $450,960 grant from the State Government's Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund (VMRAF) to establish the study.
"The pilot clinic will provide children with evidence-based early intervention and treatment, spanning psychoeducation, physiotherapy and psychological support and useful prevention techniques to speed recovery and a return to normal activities," Professor Anderson said.
"Concussions are common during childhood and while most will recover fully, there remains inconsistencies in clinical management across Australia. Timely recognition and treatment for concussion is key to preventing long-term symptoms such as poor mental health, memory loss and sensitivity to light.
"Unlike adults, the developing brain responds differently to concussion so preventing the long-term effects requires child specific diagnosis, acute management and recovery protocols."
Children will require a referral to be considered for the pilot clinic. The project will also deliver online and face-to-face training to educate healthcare workers on the best practice for concussion.
Professor Anderson said while there was growing community concern around head injuries, it was important for children and young people to continue being active.
"Parents, coaches and teachers are becoming more aware of the potential long-term impacts of repeat, untreated head knocks and concussions," she said. Providing the latest resources and targeted care is absolutely crucial.
"Children shouldn't return to sport too soon after a concussion because their reaction times can be slower. However, we don't want the fear of concussion to discourage participation. It's important that children spend time playing, exploring outside and continuing to participate in sport, all of which have enormous benefits for physical and mental health and wellbeing."
The announcement also comes as a new MCRI-led study, published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, found no brain tissue damage differences in children with persistent concussion symptoms. It reported those who took longer to recover from a concussion weren't more likely to have white matter damage in their brain than a child who bounced back quickly.
Alannah, 14, experienced a bad head knock last year while playing in her local footy competition.
Image: Alannah (left) and her sister Olivia (right) at their local football game
Alannah was tackled by an opponent while scooping up the ball, which caused her head to hit the ground. While she didn't feel the immediate affects, her concussion symptoms surfaced that evening and persisted for months afterwards.
"It was a really difficult time, I had blood noses up to three times a day, was sensitive to light and noise, had trouble sleeping and both my schoolwork and dancing were affected," she said.
Alannah's mum Danielle said it wasn't until her daughter joined a MCRI concussion recovery program that she began to improve.
"Before the program, Alannah had low energy levels and experienced brain fog, definitely not her usual, active, social self," she said. The clinic not only helped Alannah to get back physically, but also allowed her the safe space to talk about her feelings while she dealt with these tough, ongoing symptoms."
Danielle said the concussion clinic pilot would be greatly welcomed by families who often worry about the long-term impacts of childhood head injuries.
"I wasn't aware that concussion symptoms could be delayed like Alannah's, so it's wonderful that this clinic study is being piloted to help children recover, ensuring they have a really bright future," she said.
Meanwhile, Indigo, 16, sustained a concussion last year after being struck by a scooter rider. The impact of the collision threw her several metres down the road and knocked her unconscious.
Image: Indigo and her mum Amber
Indigo was taken to hospital to treat the head injury and a broken collarbone. But her concussion symptoms lingered for weeks, which required targeted rehabilitation.
