Concussion and Head Injuries — When to Seek Urgent Care and What to Expect

Head injuries are common — from a child falling at the playground to a workplace incident, a sporting collision, or a simple trip at home. Most head injuries are mild and resolve without complications. But some require prompt clinical assessment to rule out serious injury, and knowing when to seek care can make a significant difference.

SmartCare UrgentCare in Springfield Central provides same-day assessment of head injuries and suspected concussion by our emergency specialist team, with onsite CT imaging available if clinically indicated. No appointment is needed. Walk in 7 days a week.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department. This includes: loss of consciousness lasting more than a few seconds, seizures, repeated vomiting, clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, severe or worsening headache, inability to recognise people or places, or any head injury in a patient on blood-thinning medication.

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What Is Concussion?

Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly. Concussion changes how the brain functions, usually temporarily. Most people recover fully, but appropriate assessment and management are important.

Concussion does not always involve loss of consciousness. Many people with a concussion remain fully conscious but experience symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, or feeling "not quite right" in the hours and days after the injury.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care for a Head Injury?

You should attend an urgent care clinic or seek medical assessment if you or someone you are caring for has experienced a head injury and has any of the following:

  • Headache that does not improve with simple pain relief
  • Dizziness, balance problems, or difficulty walking
  • Nausea — with or without vomiting
  • Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling dazed, foggy, or "not right"
  • Memory problems — particularly difficulty remembering the event itself
  • Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
  • Irritability or changes in behaviour — particularly in children

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have a serious brain injury, but they do warrant clinical assessment by a qualified doctor to determine whether further investigation — such as a CT scan — is needed.

Concussion in Children

Children are particularly prone to head injuries — from playground falls, sporting activities, bicycle accidents, and general play. Concussion in children can present differently from adults, and younger children may not be able to describe their symptoms clearly.

Signs to watch for in children after a head injury include:

  • Persistent crying or irritability that is unusual for the child
  • Refusing to eat or drink
  • Loss of interest in favourite activities or toys
  • Difficulty with balance or coordination
  • Changes in sleep patterns — sleeping more or less than usual
  • Vomiting more than once after the injury
  • Complaints of headache or "sore head" — in older children

If your child has sustained a head injury and you are unsure whether it requires medical attention, it is always better to have them assessed. SmartCare UrgentCare sees children of all ages, and our emergency specialist team is experienced in paediatric head injury assessment. Onsite CT is available if clinically indicated — meaning your child can be assessed and imaged in the same visit without travelling to a hospital.

Sports Concussion

Concussion is a recognised risk in contact sports and high-speed activities including football, rugby, soccer, basketball, cycling, skateboarding, and martial arts. Current national and international guidelines are clear: any athlete suspected of concussion should be immediately removed from play and should not return to sport until cleared by a medical professional.

SmartCare UrgentCare can provide same-day concussion assessment for athletes of all ages and levels. Our emergency specialists can assess the severity of the concussion, provide guidance on return-to-sport timelines, and arrange follow-up if needed.

If you have sustained a head injury during sport, walk in to SmartCare UrgentCare at Springfield Central. No appointment is needed.

Workplace Head Injuries

Head injuries in the workplace — from falls, falling objects, vehicle incidents, or striking hazards — may be covered under WorkCover Queensland. SmartCare UrgentCare provides same-day assessment, treatment, and WorkCover documentation including certificate of capacity for eligible workers.

The facility fee is waived for eligible WorkCover patients. Walk in with your employer's details and any incident documentation. Our team manages the WorkCover paperwork from first presentation.

WORKCOVER Facility fee waived for eligible WorkCover Queensland patients. Walk in with your employer's details and our team manages the documentation from first visit.

What Happens When You Come In

When you walk in to SmartCare UrgentCare with a head injury or suspected concussion, our emergency specialist team will:

  • Take a detailed history of the injury — how it happened, symptoms since, and any changes
  • Perform a clinical neurological assessment — including orientation, memory, balance, coordination, and eye movements
  • Assess for signs that may indicate a more serious injury requiring further investigation
  • Arrange onsite CT imaging if clinically indicated — results are available during the same visit
  • Provide a clear management plan — including what to monitor at home, when to return, and when to resume normal activities
  • Arrange follow-up or referral if needed

Onsite CT — Answers the Same Visit

One of the key advantages of attending SmartCare UrgentCare for a head injury is access to onsite CT imaging. If your emergency specialist determines that a CT scan is clinically indicated — based on the nature of the injury and your symptoms — the scan can be arranged and completed during the same visit. This avoids the need to travel to a separate imaging provider or wait for a hospital appointment.

For eligible Medicare cardholders, many imaging services are bulk billed.

Recovery from Concussion

Most people with concussion recover fully within 7 to 14 days. Children and adolescents may take longer. During recovery:

  • Rest — both physical and cognitive — is important in the first 24 to 48 hours
  • Gradually return to normal activities as symptoms allow
  • Avoid screens and heavy reading if they worsen symptoms
  • Do not return to sport or high-risk physical activity until cleared by a doctor
  • Avoid alcohol during recovery
  • Take simple pain relief for headache as directed — avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications unless advised by your doctor

If symptoms persist beyond 14 days, or if they worsen at any point, return for reassessment. Persistent symptoms may indicate post-concussion syndrome, which may require specialist referral.

When to Call 000

Call 000 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department immediately if the person with a head injury:

  • Loses consciousness — even briefly
  • Has a seizure or convulsion
  • Has repeated or forceful vomiting
  • Has clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
  • Has a severe or rapidly worsening headache
  • Cannot recognise people or places
  • Becomes increasingly confused or agitated
  • Has weakness or numbness in their arms or legs
  • Has unequal pupil sizes
  • Is on blood-thinning medication (warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban) — head injuries in patients on anticoagulants require urgent assessment

Walk in today — SmartCare UrgentCare, Shop 8, 95 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central. Open 7 days. No appointment needed. Onsite CT available.