New pilot concussion clinic applies innovative care model to treat children

A new pilot paediatric concussion clinic is using the Concussion Essentials (HeadCheck) App, developed by Murdoch Children's Research Institute's (MCRI) in collaboration with the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) and AFL, to provide children across Victoria with groundbreaking care and treatment to help them recover from concussion.

The clinic is helping parents identify concussion signs and manage recovery, and connect them to a concussion telehealth service.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute's (MCRI) Concussion Essentials Clinic at The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) was made possible through a $450,000 grant from the Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund.

The pilot clinic opened in November 2024 and applies an innovative evidence-based care model about how to manage and treat mild traumatic brain injuries in children, providing crucial education and rehabilitative therapies.

The MCRI pilot clinic's team of psychologists, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists help tackle common but debilitating symptoms that, if left untreated, can prevent children from attending school, being active and socialising.

One in five children will experience a concussion before the age of 10, and children can take twice as long as adults to recover. A 2023 Royal Children's Hospital study found that more than a third of parents have little knowledge about the signs of concussion in children, which include fatigue, irritability and feeling anxious - and more than half are unaware of treatments available.

With every patient treated, the clinic will develop a research base to help boost recognition and understanding of concussions in children, for parents, carers and community members including sports coaches and teachers.

Murdoch Children's Research Institute Theme Director, Clinical Sciences Professor Vicki Anderson noted "Unlike adults, the developing brain responds differently to concussion so preventing the long-term effects requires child specific diagnosis, acute management and recovery protocols.

"This 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."

Image. Concussion Essentials HeadCheck App Credit: Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.