When the pedestrian light turned green, Indigo didn’t think twice before crossing a well-trodden intersection in Melbourne. 

Indigo, pictured above with her mum Amber, was on her way home after catching up with friends for dinner last May, when a scooter rider running a red light stopped her in her tracks. 

Indigo, 16, was struck by the rider, the force throwing her several metres down the road and knocking her unconscious.

When Indigo came to, her memory was blurred and she struggled to remember the collision. Her parents rushed to the scene and out of caution took her to hospital.

Image:  Indigo recovering in hospital after collarbone surgery

“Indigo was quite distressed by the time we arrived at the hospital,” Amber said. Luckily, she was diagnosed quickly with a severe concussion and broken collarbone.

“In the weeks following, Indigo took time off school and missed exams due to ongoing fatigue, it was a difficult time for her.”

To help with her recovery, Indigo was referred to Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) for more targeted treatment.

Indigo said the specialised MCRI concussion rehabilitation program helped her to feel like herself again.

“The physiotherapy and vision and sleep exercises greatly assisted in lessening my symptoms,” she said. I was able to build back my confidence, co-ordination and strength at my own pace.”

Within three months, Indigo’s symptoms had largely subsided and she returned to dancing, rowing and socialising with friends.

Image: Indigo in her rowing gear

“While it’s great to be back to normal, this injury has reminded me how important it’s to seek medical advice if you feel unwell after a head knock and to check symptoms against the evidence-based Concussion Essentials (HeadCheck) App,” she said.

Amber said the pilot concussion clinic for children at MCRI would be reassuring for families.

Image: MCRI Prof Vicki Anderson with Indigo at The Royal Children's Hospital rehab gym

“It’s wonderful to know there is a project providing early intervention and treatment and guiding parents on how to support their children to make a full recovery,” she said.

“That kind of support and information makes a huge difference, especially when your child’s concussion symptoms last for weeks.” 

Learn more about MCRI’s work in concussion research, including the Concussion Essentials (HeadCheck) App.