New Clinic Tackles Concussion In Kids
A new pilot paediatric concussion clinic is providing children across the state with groundbreaking care and treatment to help them recover from concussion, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today visited the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s (MCRI) Concussion Essentials Clinic at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), which 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.
The clinic uses the Concussion Essentials (HeadCheck) App, developed by MCRI in collaboration with the RCH and AFL, to help parents identify concussion signs and manage recovery, and connect them to a concussion telehealth service.
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.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund has invested more than $22 million to advance Victoria’s medical research sector since 2017, supporting 122 research projects and fast-tracking results so more patients can receive life-changing treatment.
The Government’s investment of more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the last decade continues to drive growth, create jobs and support incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care. Health technologies and medical research are identified as top priority areas in the Government’s Economic Growth Statement.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
“This will deliver better health outcomes for young Victorians and deliver peace of mind for parents.”
“Parents can rest easier knowing kids in Victoria have access to the very best treatment for concussion.”
As stated by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Theme Director, Clinical Sciences Professor Vicki Anderson
“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.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/250422-New-Clinic-Tackles-Concussion-In-Kids.pdf