Ep. 147 Could Your Child Be Missing the Signs of Concussion?

Concussion is one of the biggest athlete safety issues in sport today. But what actually happens to the brain after a head injury, and how can parents know when their child may need more support?In this episode of The Inner Athlete Podcast, Trent speaks with leading concussion researcher and neurophysiologist Prof. Alan Pearce about what parents, coaches, athletes, and health professionals need to understand about concussion, recovery, and safer return-to-play decisions.This conversation breaks down why concussion recovery is not always as simple as symptoms disappearing, and why a head knock can affect more than just how an athlete feels in the moment.In this episode, Trent and Prof. Pearce discuss:• What can happen inside the brain after a concussion• Why symptoms do not always tell the full recovery story• How concussion may affect movement, coordination, learning, mood, and performance• Whether current return-to-play protocols are doing enough to protect athletes• What parents, coaches, and athletes should watch for after a head injury• The benefits and limitations of emerging concussion technology• What recent cases, including Eli Katoa, may mean for the future of athlete welfare• Where concussion research and brain health in sport could be heading nextThis episode is especially valuable for parents of young athletes, as well as coaches, trainers, athletes, and health professionals who want a clearer understanding of concussion management, athlete safety, and long-term brain health.Protecting young athletes takes more than simply passing a protocol. It takes better education, better support, and a long-term approach to athlete development.Ready to support your young athlete’s long-term development?Book a FREE Discovery Call with Inner Athlete here:https://inner-athlete.com.au/contact-usDownload our free parent guide, From Frustration to Confidence – A Parent’s Guide to Helping Young Athletes Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident, Safely and Efficiently, here:https://inner-athlete.com.au/from-frustration-to-confidence-790716