The Laura Fergusson Trust Canterbury provides services for patients with Concussion. This can also be known as Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) or Post Concussion Symptoms/Syndrome (PCS).
What does this service provide?
- Inter-disciplinary assessment
- Early intervention for people who have sustained a Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Fast, effective intervention
- Education about the effects of a concussion and any necessary follow-up, reassurance and support
- Remote and rural service as well as services provided in the home
- Preventative advice
- Management of longer term problems
- Family/Whānau support education
- Contact/liaision with relevant parties where appropriate, including your family doctor (GP), ACC Case Manager, school, university, employer, etc.
A Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury can be caused by:
- Sporting accidents
- Assaults
- Work injuries
- Car/motorbike accidents
- Falls
Symptoms of a Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury typically include:
- Persistent headache
- Feeling tired or dizzy
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficult with memory
- Moodiness, short temper or irritability
- Intolerance of noise
- Reduced interest in sexual activity
Important Facts about Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
- Most patients with symptoms of Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury recover fully
- CT scans are often normal in mild TBI
- Skull X-rays are rarely required.
- For further information, please access details on the ACC Website, including ACC's Knowing About Your Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Information Sheet.
Professionals who may be involved in the Concussion Services:
- Medical Specialist
- To look at your symptoms, investigate any physical changes and ask about any other medical conditions (mental health, drug and alcohol use, medications).
- Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist
- To review mood and impact of the accident on family/whanau relationships, work or study. To assess memory, concentration and other cognitive abilities.
- Occupational Therapist
- To look at pre injury roles and investigate any changes in ability to complete these (family, home, work, leisure, community etc).
- Physiotherapist
- To look at physical function in all your normal everyday roles – e.g. vision, balance, mobility, strength, fitness and safety.
Who Can Refer?
- A Medical Practitioner or Allied Health Professional (AHP) at a District Health Board (DHB) can refer a client to the Concussion Service by sending the completed ACC883 form to the local ACC branch for consideration. There must be a confirmed diagnosis in the client’s clinical notes.
- A GP or Accident & Medical (A&M) Centre can refer a client by sending the completed ACC883 or letter of referral with clinical notes to ACC directly or to a Concussion Service supplier who must forward it to ACC for approval.
- An ACC Case Manager can refer a client to the Concussion Service if they consider that the client may have sustained a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or Concussion. Referrals to other services may be made following the initial assessment e.g. Driving Assessment Services, Speech Language Therapist, and Psychiatrist.
To Refer
If you have an adult client, please complete an ACC 883 Concussion Service referral form.
For children and adolescent clients, please compete an ACC 7412 Concussion Service referral form.
Also, please see the Concussion Service Criteria information sheet
Please complete the above referral form or fax a letter with medical details to the number below:
Concussion Services - Insight Rehabilitation
177 Montreal Street
Christchurch 8011
Phone: 03 335 0541
Fax: 03 377 1387
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
