Ongoing
Symptoms

Your GP is the right person to diagnose a concussion – or identify another cause of your symptoms. Remember that concussion symptoms can show up weeks or even months after an injury.

Make another appointment with your GP and explain:

1. The accident or incident in detail.
2. your symptoms.
3. how the symptoms are impacting your life.

It can help to prepare for the appointment by completing the |Symptom Tracker| so that you do not forget things in the appointment.

If the injury occurred in the past year and your GP diagnoses you with a concussion, they will complete an ACC claim to ensure that you are covered for treatment.  They can then refer you directly to a FREE Concussion Service, where specialists can walk alongside you in your recovery.

If your injury was more than one year ago, it may not be covered under ACC. Ask your GP for advice. You can also reach out to Headway for information about other options for recovery.

If the accident that you believe caused your concussion was recorded at the time, you may be able to get coverage for your concussion. Reach out to Way Finders to ask for advice.

Pro tip: ask to see what your GP has written on the ACC claim form. Make sure it fully and accurately describes the accident that led to your injury and that the word Concussion is used on the claim form. This avoids delays later.

It can feel discouraging to have received treatment, perhaps completed a concussion programme or Return to Work plan, and find that your symptoms are either not going away or worsening. Please know that this is not unusual.

For many people, symptoms can re-emerge as more strain is placed on the brain — whether that’s through returning to work, study, family responsibilities, or simply the demands of everyday life.

The “Boom-and -Bust” Cycle

Many people describe a pattern often called the boom-and-bust cycle. This happens when you feel like you are progressing well and start to do more than your brain is ready for. In the “boom” phase, activity levels are high, but this is often followed by a “bust” — a crash where symptoms flare up and may feel worse than before. Over time, this up-and-down cycle can make recovery feel frustrating and unpredictable.

The good news is that you are not alone in this, and there are ways to break this cycle and move forward. Recognising the pattern early is the first step toward managing it.

What You Can Do

1. Reach out for support – Talk to your GP or, if you are still connected with a concussion service, your specialist. Your symptoms are important, and further support may be available.
2. Ask about ACC-funded support – If your recovery is not progressing as expected, you may be entitled to further funded rehabilitation, tailored to your needs.
3. If your ACC claim has closed – Get in touch with [Way Finders]. They can help you understand your rights, entitlements, and how ACC legislation applies to your situation.

It is not unusual for people to have no official treatment for their concussion in the initial stages. This may be because you were not seen as being at risk of a complex recovery and it was expected that you would recover naturally. If that’s not happening, it’s absolutely normal. . Your brain just needs a bit longer to heal and getting the right support and guidance will help.

What you can do

Make a follow up appointment to see your GP. Explain to the GP:

1. your symptoms.
2. how the symptoms are impacting your life.
3. Ask to be referred to a Concussion Service based on the fact that you are still being impacted by the symptoms caused by the injury/accident. The GP can do this without prior approval from ACC – as long as they have submitted a claim for concussion.

It can help to prepare for the appointment by completing the |Symptom Tracker| so that you do not forget things in the appointment.

If you have previously seen your GP for your concussion, check that they completed an ACC claim at the time. If they did not, ask them to complete one now. This is needed to get free concussion services.

Pro Tip: It is a good idea to check what the GP writes on your ACC claim. Ensure that it is an accurate description of the accident/incident and injury. Ask them to correct it if not. Ensure that if they said you have a concussion, the word concussion is used on the claim form.

Remember

Persisting symptoms do not mean you won’t recover. Many people experience setbacks on the way back to health. With the right support, pacing, and strategies, recovery is still possible.

Remember: Headway is here too — to listen, guide, and help you find your way forward.