Header image

Sports and concussions: The ACC approach to concussion and how Physiotherapy can get involved

Saturday, September 7, 2024
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Plenary Room Auditorium

Speaker

Shaun Westhead
ACC

Sports and concussions: The ACC approach to concussion and how Physiotherapy can get involved

Presentation Abstract

Concussion is a serious injury. Each year in Aotearoa New Zealand, over 7,000 concussions occur while participating in sport.

Due to the lack of a consistent, readily available resource for treatment providers, whanau and patients, the National Concussion Guidelines have been formed to address the gap in treatment provision and active management of concussion.

Through this work, we know that If concussion is missed or not managed, people can experience long-term negative effects, including prolonged time away from school, work and sport, poor mental health, decreased quality of life, ongoing symptoms, and loss of independence.

In this presentation we will discuss:
• How the guideline was developed and why
• The 21-day standdown and medical clearance
• Small but significant changes since the guidelines launch
• Practical examples of how the guidelines can be applied in a clinical setting
• We will finish off by looking at what ACC is currently testing in the Primary Care Space and the outcomes from our Concussion Services Proof of Concept.

Biography

loading