Care for repeated concussions in athletes in Woodland Hills
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- Updated August 18, 2026
Repeated Concussions in Athletes: Getting Care in Woodland Hills
Two worries at once: how to return to sport safely, and how to protect long-term brain health when symptoms keep coming back.
If you're an athlete, parent, or coach dealing with more than one concussion, you're probably tired of vague advice, rushed decisions, and being told to "wait it out." When concussions repeat, the nervous system usually needs a more careful, more structured plan than it did the first time.
You're the one balancing performance, school, scholarships, team identity, family concern, and real symptoms — headaches, dizziness, brain fog, light sensitivity, memory changes, or just feeling "off" in your own body. This article explains what repeated concussions can look like, why deeper evaluation matters, and what safer next steps involve.
The short answer
A second or third concussion often behaves differently than the first — symptoms may appear with less force, last longer, or show up as visual strain, motion sensitivity, or cognitive fatigue. Repeated concussions warrant individualized neurological, vestibular, visual, cervical, and autonomic evaluation rather than a standard rest-and-wait timeline.
First, the non-negotiable safety rule
If a concussion is suspected, the athlete must be removed from play immediately and must not return the same day. Per CDC HEADS UP guidance: when in doubt, sit them out — and keep them out until cleared by a healthcare provider. Don't try to judge severity yourself. Athletes who return while the brain is still healing have a greater chance of a repeat concussion, and repeat concussions can be very serious.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for a headache that worsens and won't go away, weakness, numbness, poor coordination, seizures, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, severe confusion, unusual behavior, one pupil larger than the other, inability to wake up, or any loss of consciousness — even brief.
The second concussion often doesn't feel like the first
Athletes usually know this in their body before anyone confirms it. Symptoms may be triggered by less force, linger longer, or present entirely differently — visual strain, motion sensitivity, sleep disruption, sudden fatigue, or trouble focusing in class.
The goal here isn't fear. Repeated head impacts — whether each one was formally diagnosed or not — may affect how the brain, eyes, inner ear, neck, and autonomic nervous system work together. For some athletes, that simply means the recovery plan has to become more precise.
"Protecting your future isn't weakness. It's leadership when your brain is asking for precision."
Why symptoms can feel random
An athlete may feel fine at rest, then become symptomatic while driving, reading, lifting, running, tracking a ball, walking through a grocery store, or sitting under bright classroom lights. That pattern isn't random — it usually reflects several interacting systems: processing speed, vestibular balance control, visual tracking, cervical input, sleep regulation, emotional regulation, and autonomic function.
When those systems aren't communicating well, symptoms feel unpredictable even though there's a real pattern underneath. Finding that pattern is what makes care specific rather than guesswork.
What a thorough evaluation examines
Clinical best practice increasingly supports individualized assessment and staged return-to-learn and return-to-sport planning over one-size-fits-all timelines. In complex cases, that means mapping the symptom timeline and testing the systems most likely involved.
| Evaluation area | Why it matters for athletes | Possible clinical focus |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibular function | Dizziness, imbalance, motion sensitivity, trouble with head movement | Vestibular rehabilitation and balance retraining |
| Visual processing | Screen intolerance, tracking difficulty, light sensitivity, visual fatigue | Sensory integration and visual-vestibular coordination |
| Cervical spine input | Neck-driven headaches, posture sensitivity, altered position sense | Precise clinical assessment and targeted rehab strategies |
| Cognitive tolerance | Brain fog, memory strain, school fatigue, slowed processing | Cognitive rehabilitation and pacing strategies |
| Autonomic regulation | Racing heart, light-headedness, sleep disruption, "wired and tired" | Dysautonomia-informed care and graded regulation support |
The same diagnosis looks very different across athletes. One struggles mainly with dizziness. Another has brain fog and screen intolerance. Another has anxiety-like body sensations driven by autonomic dysregulation. Another has headaches partly driven by the neck. That's precisely why repeated concussions need individual planning rather than a generic checklist.
Return-to-play should be structured, not emotional
This is where pressure builds. Athletes want to compete, coaches want clarity, parents want safety, and the athlete feels pulled between identity and caution. That weight is real — which is exactly why the decision deserves a structured clinical process rather than a judgment call in the moment.
The CDC's 6-Step Return to Play Progression, based on the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport, is the standard framework. Each step takes a minimum of 24 hours, an athlete only advances if no new symptoms appear at the current step, and returning symptoms mean stopping and dropping back to the previous stage after further rest. Crucially, the athlete should be back to regular non-sports activities before the sports progression begins.
A safety-first return-to-play mindset
No return to sport on the day of a suspected concussion. No progression while symptoms are active or unstable. Staged progression, monitored and coordinated with qualified providers. School load, sleep, stress, screens, and exercise tolerance all count. And have a flare-up plan agreed before training intensity increases.
What care may involve
Care is staged, measurable, and responsive to the athlete's real goals. The purpose isn't to mask symptoms — it's to help the nervous system rebuild tolerance, coordination, regulation, and confidence.
That begins with the full story: concussion history, symptom timeline, academic demands, sport exposure, recovery setbacks, sleep, and emotional stressors. Testing then reveals which systems are overloaded. From there, a plan may include vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, neuroplasticity-based retraining, and sensory integration work. When clinically appropriate, supportive non-invasive therapies such as LLLT, PEMF, HBOT, GammaCore, or the NeuroRevive Program may be considered within the broader plan.
These aren't shortcuts, and outcomes vary. They're considered only after detailed evaluation and only when they fit the athlete's presentation. Progress is guided by symptom response, function, and tolerance — challenging enough to drive adaptation, never enough to cause repeated crashes.
"Real recovery isn't about rushing back. It's about building capacity you can trust."
A short story from the clinic
An athlete from the Woodland Hills area came in after three concussion events across two seasons. The first seemed to resolve quickly. The second took longer. By the third, he was dealing with dizziness in busy environments, headaches triggered by screens, and mental fatigue that made training feel unpredictable.
Evaluation revealed a pattern: vestibular sensitivity, visual-vestibular mismatch, and a cervical contribution that appeared to amplify symptoms during head movement and exertion. The staged plan combined vestibular rehabilitation, sensory integration, cognitive pacing, and neuroplasticity-based work.
Over time he reported better stability, clearer decision-making, and more confidence day to day. But the most meaningful change wasn't fewer symptoms — it was feeling less trapped by uncertainty. He learned to recognize early warning signs, progress training responsibly, and make sport decisions with better information. That's not a guaranteed result for every athlete, but it's the kind of clarity families deserve.
Frequently asked questions
How many concussions are too many?
There's no single number that applies to every athlete. Risk depends on age, concussion history, symptom duration, recovery pattern, time between injuries, sport exposure, and current neurological findings. In repeated cases, the responsible next step is thorough evaluation and a conservative plan focused on preventing the next injury.
Why does the second or third concussion sometimes feel worse?
The nervous system may become less tolerant of sensory load, exertion, head movement, visual motion, or cognitive demand. The brain, eyes, vestibular system, neck, and autonomic nervous system may all contribute. A structured evaluation identifies which systems are most involved now — which can differ from last time.
What if symptoms are mostly invisible — brain fog, anxiety-like sensations, memory issues?
Invisible symptoms are still real. Concussion affects thinking, mood, sleep, autonomic regulation, and energy — not just headache or balance. If symptoms interfere with school, sport, driving, screens, or quality of life, a concussion-focused neurological and vestibular evaluation is appropriate.
Is it dangerous to keep playing with symptoms?
Yes. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete must be removed from play and must not return the same day. Playing while symptomatic increases the risk of another concussion and can complicate recovery. Clearance should come from qualified clinical evaluation — never from pressure or guesswork.
Do you see recent concussions only, or lingering symptoms too?
Both. Some athletes come soon after injury for assessment and planning. Others come weeks, months, or years after repeated concussions because dizziness, brain fog, headaches, visual strain, fatigue, or balance problems never fully resolved. Either way, the first step is understanding the current pattern.
If symptoms keep returning, get a more complete look
Repeated concussions deserve a thoughtful plan. A personalized neurological and vestibular evaluation can help you understand the next responsible step — for sport, for school, and for the long term.
Dr. Alireza Chizari
This article has been medically reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Alireza Chizari, DC, DACNB. Committed to evidence-based practice, Dr. Chizari ensures all content reflects the highest standards of functional neurology care.
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FAQ
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurology is a healthcare specialty that focuses on assessing and rehabilitating the nervous system’s function. It emphasizes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize—using non-invasive, evidence-based interventions to improve neurological performance.
How does Functional Neurology differ from traditional neurology?
Traditional neurology often concentrates on diagnosing and treating neurological diseases through medications or surgery. In contrast, Functional Neurology aims to optimize the nervous system’s function by identifying and addressing dysfunctions through personalized, non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Is Functional Neurology a replacement for traditional medical care?
No. Functional Neurology is intended to complement, not replace, traditional medical care. Practitioners often collaborate with medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.
What conditions can Functional Neurology help manage?
Functional Neurology has been applied to various conditions, including:
• Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Vestibular Disorders
• Migraines and Headaches
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism)
• Movement Disorders
• Dysautonomia
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Can Functional Neurology assist with neurodegenerative diseases?
While Functional Neurology does not cure neurodegenerative diseases, it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life by optimizing the function of existing neural pathways.
What diagnostic methods are used in Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurologists employ various assessments, including:
• Videonystagmography (VNG)
• Computerized Posturography
• Oculomotor Testing
• Vestibular Function Tests
• Neurocognitive Evaluations
How is a patient’s progress monitored?
Progress is tracked through repeated assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and objective measures such as balance tests, eye movement tracking, and cognitive performance evaluations.
What therapies are commonly used in Functional Neurology?
Interventions may include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Oculomotor Exercises
- Sensorimotor Integration
- Cognitive Training
- Balance and Coordination Exercises
- Nutritional Counseling
- Lifestyle Modifications
Are these therapies personalized?
Absolutely. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s specific neurological findings, symptoms, and functional goals.
Who can benefit from Functional Neurology?
Individuals with unresolved neurological symptoms, those seeking non-pharmaceutical interventions, or patients aiming to optimize brain function can benefit from Functional Neurology.
Is Functional Neurology suitable for children?
Yes. Children with developmental delays, learning difficulties, or neurodevelopmental disorders may benefit from Functional Neurology approaches.
How does Functional Neurology complement other medical treatments?
It can serve as an adjunct to traditional medical care, enhancing outcomes by addressing functional aspects of the nervous system that may not be targeted by conventional treatments.
How is technology integrated into Functional Neurology?
Technological tools such as virtual reality, neurofeedback, and advanced diagnostic equipment are increasingly used to assess and enhance neurological function.
What is the role of research in Functional Neurology?
Ongoing research continues to refine assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and our understanding of neuroplasticity, contributing to the evolution of Functional Neurology practices.
