Concussion assessment in London: what happens and how we get you back

By Geoff Scott, Founder & Senior Physiotherapist, Hauora

By Geoff Scott, Senior Physiotherapist and founder of Hauora. Reviewed by Jason Oliveira, Senior Physiotherapist and Hauora’s concussion expert. Last updated 14 November 2026.

In short: a concussion assessment checks your symptoms, balance, eye movements, dizziness, neck and how you tolerate exercise, then sets out a staged plan back to work, study and sport. At Hauora in Primrose Hill, London, our concussion expert Jason Oliveira looks after every part of your care, and we follow the UK concussion guidelines and the latest international consensus on concussion in sport. If you’ve had a head injury and have any warning signs listed below, call 999 or go to A&E first.

Concussion is a brain injury. It can happen in rugby, football, cycling, skiing or riding, but also in a fall at home or a car accident. Most people recover well with the right management. Problems usually come from returning too soon, or from symptoms that are left unmanaged.

When to call 999 or go to A&E

Get emergency help straight away if, after a head injury, you or the person you’re with:

Was knocked out, even briefly, or has a seizure
Vomits more than once, or has a headache that keeps getting worse
Is unusually drowsy, confused or hard to wake
Has slurred speech, weakness, numbness, problems walking or changes in vision
Has neck pain after a heavy impact, or clear fluid or blood from the ears or nose

Otherwise, UK guidelines say anyone with a suspected concussion should be assessed by a healthcare professional, or call NHS 111, within 24 hours. For the first 24 hours, don’t drive, ride a bike, drink alcohol or return to sport.

Your concussion expert: Jason Oliveira

Jason Oliveira is Hauora’s concussion expert. He spent seven years as a senior physiotherapist at Saracens, where head injuries are managed to strict protocols, and he specialises in head injury and concussion management.

Every aspect of your care. Jason looks after you from the first assessment through rehab and your return to work, study and sport.
Onward referral if you need it. If your symptoms need a doctor, neurologist or other specialist, Jason arranges the referral and stays involved.
Working with your specialist. If you’ve already seen a specialist, Jason works alongside them, follows their advice and keeps them updated on your progress.

Who a concussion assessment is for

Adults and young athletes who’ve had a knock in sport and want a clear, safe plan back. For children, see our guide for parents.
People whose symptoms aren’t settling, such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, poor sleep or trouble with screens, a week or two after the injury.
People hurt in a fall, cycling accident or car accident, where a whiplash-type neck injury often comes with the concussion.
Anyone who needs a structured return to work, study, training or contact sport.

What happens in a concussion assessment at Hauora

The international consensus on concussion in sport recommends that, beyond the first few days, assessment covers several areas rather than a single test. Your assessment with Jason includes:

Your story and symptoms. How the injury happened, how you’ve been since, and a structured symptom score we can track over time.
Balance. Standing and walking tests that pick up subtle problems.
Eye movements and dizziness. Tracking and head-movement tests that show whether the vestibular (balance) and visual systems are provoking symptoms.
Your neck. The forces that cause concussion often strain the neck too, and an irritated neck can cause headaches and dizziness that look like ongoing concussion.
Exercise tolerance, when it’s safe to test, so we know how hard you can work without bringing symptoms on.
Sleep, mood, concentration and daily life, because these are often affected and shape your plan.

You leave with a written plan for work or study, exercise and sport, and a clear idea of what to expect.

How we treat concussion

Early, gentle activity rather than strict rest. After 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, light activity such as walking helps recovery. Lying in a dark room for days doesn’t.
Graded aerobic exercise, kept below the level that brings symptoms on, then built up step by step.
Neck and vestibular rehab for dizziness, neck pain or headaches that last more than about 10 days, as the international consensus recommends.
A staged return to work or study, which comes before return to sport.
Joined-up care. Jason works with your GP and any specialist you’ve already seen, and arranges onward referral when your symptoms need it.

Returning to sport after concussion

Return to sport follows six steps: everyday activity, light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, non-contact training, full-contact training, and finally competition. You move up a step only if the current one doesn’t bring symptoms back.

For grassroots and amateur sport, UK guidelines say there should be no return to competition before 21 days from the injury. Professional and some school sports have their own protocols, and we follow whichever is more cautious. With good management, most people are back to full sport within about a month.

Why come to Hauora for concussion

A dedicated concussion expert. Jason Oliveira handles every aspect of your concussion care, including onward referral and working with your specialist.
Elite-sport experience. Geoff Scott spent two decades in Premier League football at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, and Jason spent seven years at Saracens. In both sports, suspected concussion is managed to strict protocols.
Same-day appointments are often available at our clinic in Primrose Hill, close to Camden, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Belsize Park and Hampstead.

Frequently asked questions

Who will I see for concussion at Hauora?

Jason Oliveira, our concussion expert. He looks after every aspect of your care, arranges onward referral if you need it, and works with any specialist you’ve already seen.

How long does concussion take to recover from?

It varies, but with good management most people are back to full sport within about a month. If symptoms are still there after 28 days, UK guidelines advise seeing your GP, who may refer you to a specialist.

When should I see a physio after a concussion?

Get a healthcare assessment or call NHS 111 within 24 hours. Book a concussion assessment if you want a structured plan back to sport, or if headaches, dizziness or neck pain aren’t settling after a week or two.

I’ve already seen a specialist. Can I still come to Hauora?

Yes. Jason works alongside your specialist, follows their advice and keeps them updated on your progress.

Should I rest completely after a concussion?

No. Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, then light everyday activity and walking help recovery, as long as they don’t make symptoms clearly worse.

Do I need a scan after a concussion?

Most people don’t. Scans are used in hospital when there are warning signs. A normal scan doesn’t rule out concussion, because concussion affects how the brain works rather than showing up as visible damage.

When can I drive after a concussion?

Not within 24 hours of a suspected concussion, and not while you still have symptoms that affect concentration, vision or reaction time. Commercial drivers should be reviewed by a healthcare professional before driving.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on health insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.

Book a concussion assessment with Jason

Book at Hauora, 44 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8JD. Book online at hauora.com/book or call 020 4541 8924. See our fees for concussion appointments. In an emergency, always call 999.

Finding us: Hauora is based inside the At The Core building, but we’re a separate business from At The Core. We share the building and the phone number, so when you call, please ask for Hauora.

This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you’re worried about a head injury, get medical advice straight away.