NZ Rugby
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FAQs

We understand that concussions can be a concerning and complex topic, and it's essential to have access to reliable information. To help you better understand concussions and their management, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.

Our goal is to provide you with clear, accurate, and helpful information to support you in recognising, responding to, and recovering from concussions.

If you have a question that isn't addressed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at concussion@nzrugby.co.nz.

Your inquiries help us continue to expand and improve our resources to better serve the rugby community.

  • What is a concussion?

    A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shkaken, often due to a direct hit to the head or blow to the body. You don’t have to be knocked out or even be hit directly on the head directly to be suffer a concussion. 

    When the head moves rapidly or stops suddenly, the brain can bounce around or twist inside the skull. This movement can damage and stretch the brain cells, leading to the release of chemicals which disrupts normal brain function. During this time, the brain becomes more vulnerable to further injury until it has fully recovered. 

  • How does a concussion occur?

    Concussions can happen from a direct hit to the head or from a blow to the body. You DON'T have to be knocked out or even be hit on the head directly to be concussed. 

    When the head moves rapidly or stops suddenly, the brain can bounce around or twist inside the skull. This movement can damage and stretch the brain cells, leading to the release of chemicals which disrupts normal brain function. During this time, the brain becomes more vulnerable to further injury until it has fully recovered.  

  • What is CTE?

    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition that can only be definitively diagnosed during an autopsy (post-mortem). It is thought to be caused by exposure to repetitive head impacts. However, there is considerable scientific uncertainty about the connection between CTE and specific health outcomes, such as depression, dementia, mood disorders, and cognitive function.  

  • How do I recover from a concussion?

    For any concussion, the minimum stand-down period before a player can return to play in community rugby is 21 days. This is aligned with ACC’s (external link)guidelines(external link) for all community sports(external link).

    During this stand-down period, players must complete the Graduated Return to Learn/Work and the Return to Play (GRTP)(external link) program. These programs are based on international best practices to help players recover and get back to school/work and sports. 

    A player should not go back to sports until they: 

    • are back to school or work without symptoms getting significantly worse and no longer needing any changes in their schedule. 

    • have received medical clearance 

    The recovery time from a concussion can vary. Most symptoms resolve within days or weeks, but some may last longer. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. 

  • What are the long-term effects of a concussion?

    Concussions can have long-term effects, especially if not properly treated. Potential long-term consequences may include chronic headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, emotional changes, and in rare cases, post-concussion syndrome. It's crucial to allow the brain adequate time to heal and to follow a gradual return to activity to minimise the risk of lasting impacts. 

  • When should I see a doctor for a concussion?

    If you suspect you or someone else has suffered a concussion, it's important to see a medical professional as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment guidance. Seek immediate medical attention if there are any red flag symptoms such as loss of consciousness, severe headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or unusual behaviour changes. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult with a doctor.   

  • How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

    Recovery time varies from person to person. Most people feel better within 1-2 weeks if they’re adults, and up to 4 weeks if they’re children or teenagers. However, some individuals may experience prolonged symptoms lasting weeks or even months. It's essential to allow enough time for the brain to heal and not rush back into activities, sports, work or school too soon.  

    It is helpful to gradually start physical and mental activities as you recover. Research shows that gentle exercise, like walking, and activities without risk of hitting your head can help you get better. Early active recovery can be beneficial, but should be carefully managed to avoid making symptoms worse. 

  • Are there any treatments for concussion?

    The primary treatment for concussion is physical and cognitive rest immediately following the injury to allow the brain to recover. This means temporarily limiting activities that require concentration and gradually reintroducing them as symptoms improve - usually 48 hours after the injury has occurred. Pain relief medication may be used for headaches. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment plan based on your individual symptoms and recovery progress. 

  • What should I do if I think I have had multiple concussions?

    If you believe you have sustained multiple concussions, it's crucial to discuss this with your doctor. Repeated concussions can have a cumulative effect and potentially lead to long-term consequences. Your doctor may recommend a longer recovery period, additional testing, or retirement from high-risk activities based on your concussion history. It's important to prioritise your brain health and follow your doctor's advice to minimise the risk of lasting damage. 

  • Can I reduce the risk of getting a concussion?

    There is no way of eliminating the risk of getting a concussion in any sport, but there are some things that you can focus on to reduce the risk. These are:

    • Make sure that you are physically conditioned appropriate for the level of play.
    • Learning and practising the skills and techniques for the contact element of rugby i.e. tackling, taking the ball into contact, rucks, mauls and scrums.
    • Managing any injuries properly, especially concussion. It is important to recover fully from concussion to reduce the risk of sustaining another concussion.