The inaugural Test NZ Baseline event will be held in Invercargill this month, focusing on the impacts of post-concussion syndrome and how it can be avoided. 

The free event, which has the ambitious goal of stamping out long-term post-concussion syndrome nationwide, is being spearheaded by Southlander Helen Tufui, physiotherapist and founder of The Headache Clinic.

Tufui is renowned in her field, having treated All Black Beauden Barrett, who has suffered from persistent concussion symptoms. 

“I’ve seen many teammates, including my older brother, leave the game due to concussion injuries and until a month ago I was struggling to accept the potential reality whilst trying many alternative treatments,” he says.

“I have seen immediate results from Helen’s work and I’m positive the Baseline event will have long term benefits for our sports people across New Zealand.” 

Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms last beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury. 

The syndrome is more common among sportspeople, especially in high impact sports including rugby. 

The Baseline event will give the opportunity for attendees to have their medical and neurological baseline tested and recorded.

This provides a normal, healthy function (baseline) recorded on a national database while the individual is well, providing a reference point and significantly reducing the risk of long-term damage following a future concussion. 

The event is being supported by community groups and sporting entities.

ILT Marketing Manager, Angee Shand, said ILT is absolutely delighted to be involved and to support the event.  

“It is wonderful to see Invercargill leading the way on the national stage and the potential impact of such an initiative is immeasurable.”

Event coordinator Tufui is a trained physiotherapist and has been working exclusively in the field of headaches, migraines, and concussions for the past 8 years

She says that New Zealand is a sporting nation that had concerning statistics on long-term damage from concussions.

“A lot of long-term persistent concussion is avoidable. We are a sporting nation, so we need to be proactive on this, I’m passionate to see our sporting communities tested, not just our elite athletes. I’d like to see this condition become less common.” 

Between 1997 and 2019, concussions presented to emergency departments in New Zealand have increased threefold.

“It’s devastating and a significant amount is preventable. So, we are offering the testing free to all who attend, it should be available to anyone that plays contact sport nationwide,” Tufui says.