A Gentle Hello From Your Brain-Loving Specialist
If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you deeply care about still feels the room spin, sway, or “float” weeks after a head hit that seemed minor at the time. You are not imagining things, and you are definitely not alone. Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It is a question I hear almost daily in the clinic, and answering it has changed countless lives. Today, let’s unpack the science, the symptoms, and the surprisingly simple steps that can set your world straight again.
If you’d like to see the step-by-step therapy we often recommend once dizziness is diagnosed, jump over to “Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: How It Works”—it walks you through the gentle head-and-eye drills that can reinforce everything you’re learning here.
Table of Contents
-
What Exactly Is Post-Concussion Dizziness?
-
The Three Main Balance Systems in Your Body
-
How a Concussion Scrambles Those Systems
-
Classic Signs Your Dizziness Is Concussion-Related
-
Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It A Deep Dive
-
Step-by-Step Recovery Strategies You Can Start Today
-
When to Seek Professional Functional Neurology Care
-
Real-Life Success Stories (Names Changed for Privacy)
-
Get Expert Help at California Brain & Spine
-
Quick Summary
-
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to jump to the section you need most but I encourage you to read it all. Understanding Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It empowers you to heal faster and more completely.
What Exactly Is Post-Concussion Dizziness?
Post-concussion dizziness is that disorienting sensation of spinning, tilting, or rocking that lingers days, weeks, or even months after a blow to the head. It may strike only when you stand up fast, or it may greet you the moment you open your eyes each morning. Either way, it signals that your internal GPS your balance network has fallen slightly out of sync.
The Three Main Balance Systems in Your Body
Before we answer Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It, let’s meet the trio that normally keeps you upright:
-
Vestibular System – tiny canals and crystals in the inner ear that detect head motion.
-
Visual System – eyes and brain regions that track the horizon and anchor you in space.
-
Proprioceptive System – sensors in muscles and joints that tell the brain where your limbs are.
When all three send matching signals, you feel steady. When one lags or glitches, dizziness is the unavoidable language your brain uses to say, “Something’s off please recalibrate!”
Now that you know why those first dizzy days hit so hard, the next question is what to do about it without overloading your system. The stepwise home plan in “Balance-Boosting Exercises for Concussion Recovery” turns this theory into a practical ladder: gentle head–eye drills, stance progressions, and pacing rules that respect symptom thresholds. Drop that guide into your routine and you’ll have a clear map for when to push, when to pause, and how to make every repetition count toward steadier footing.
How a Concussion Scrambles Those Systems
A concussion is essentially a rapid acceleration–deceleration event. Picture Jell-O in a jar suddenly shaken; that’s your brain inside the skull. Even without visible bruising, this jolt can:
-
Stretch delicate vestibular nerves so they misreport head motion.
-
Disrupt eye-movement coordination, making the visual horizon wobble.
-
Jam proprioceptive feedback loops in the neck and upper spine.
Individually, those glitches feel mild. Combined, they spell out the spinning, staggering reality we call post-concussion dizziness.
Classic Signs Your Dizziness Is Concussion-Related
-
A sense of rocking when you stand still, as if on a boat.
-
Brief vertigo when turning over in bed.
-
Lightheadedness when scanning shelves in a supermarket.
-
Neck stiffness followed by a sudden “tilt” sensation.
-
Fatigue or nausea after scrolling on your phone or reading.
If you check two or more boxes, keep reading. You are right in the target zone of Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It.
Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It A Deep Dive
A. Mismatched Sensory Timers
Think of your balance systems as three drummers in a band. A concussion delays one drummer by half a beat. The result? Rhythmic chaos you perceive as dizziness or brain fog.
Fix: Functional neurology drills re-synchronize those drummers using laser-guided eye movements, gentle head turns, and targeted muscle activation.
B. Inner-Ear Crystal Confusion
Calcium crystals (otoconia) help detect gravity. A knock to the head can dislodge them, sending false “you’re falling” alarms.
Fix: Precise repositioning maneuvers (Epley, Semont) guide crystals back to home base and silence the alarms.
C. Visual–Vestibular Conflict
Your eyes say “steady,” but inner ears shout “we’re spinning!” That conflict floods your brain with mixed data.
Fix: Customized gaze-stability exercises teach eyes and ears to agree again, often within days.
D. Cervical Proprioceptive Fault
Stiff neck muscles warp signals about head angle, compounding vestibular errors.
Fix: Gentle joint mobilizations and isometric neck drills restore accurate proprioception, completing the circuit.
By addressing all four fault lines, we answer Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It in a holistic, sustainable way.
Step-by-Step Recovery Strategies You Can Start Today
-
Hydrate and Rest – Dehydration intensifies vestibular errors. Aim for two liters of water daily.
-
Limit Screen Time – Rapid scrolling floods the visual cortex. Take 20-second breaks every 20 minutes.
-
Micro-Walks – Short, slow walks recalibrate foot-to-brain feedback. Five minutes, three times a day.
-
Head-Turn Drills – Sit, focus on a stationary target, gently shake “no” with your head for 15 seconds.
-
Mindful Breathing – Slow exhalations tame the overactive “fight or flight” circuits tied to dizziness.
Consistency beats intensity. Small daily wins compound into lasting neural rewiring.
When to Seek Professional Functional Neurology Care
-
Dizziness persists beyond four weeks.
-
Symptoms disrupt work, school, or sleep.
-
You notice new issues blurred vision, tinnitus, mood swings.
Professional assessment includes eye-tracking cameras, balance-platform testing, and a hands-on neurological exam. Together, these pinpoint which of the “three drummers” is off-beat and how to retune it.
Real-Life Success Stories (Names Changed for Privacy)
Maya, 16 – Soccer goalie. After a mild header collision, she felt dizzy in class. Six vestibular sessions later, she’s back on the field and the honor roll.
Daniel, 42 – Fell off a ladder. Weeks of rocking sensation vanished after targeted crystal-repositioning. He now hikes the Santa Monica Mountains every weekend.
Their journeys prove that understanding Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It is the cornerstone of full recovery.
Reclaim Your Balance at California Brain & Spine
You don’t have to navigate this maze alone. Our compassionate team at California Brain & Spine offers cutting-edge, non-invasive neuro-rehabilitation tailored to post-concussion challenges. Ready to stop the spinning and start truly living again? Book your complimentary functional neurology consultation today and let’s craft your personalized path back to stable ground.
Quick Summary
Why Dizziness After a Concussion Happens And How to Fix It boils down to mismatched signals between your inner ear, eyes, and body sensors. A concussion nudges them out of sync; targeted exercises, hydration, and professional functional neurology care bring them back into harmony often faster than you’d imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is post-concussion dizziness dangerous?
Not usually, but it can increase fall risk and hamper daily life. Early intervention minimizes complications.
Q2. How long does recovery take?
Mild cases resolve in 2-4 weeks; more stubborn dizziness may need 6–12 weeks of guided therapy.
Q3. Can I exercise while dizzy?
Yes light, supervised activity is beneficial. Avoid high-risk sports until cleared by a specialist.
Q4. Do medications help?
Certain drugs can mask symptoms briefly but rarely solve the root cause. Neuro-rehabilitation addresses the underlying mismatch.
Q5. What if my imaging scans are normal?
Most post-concussion impairments are functional, not structural meaning standard scans look fine. Functional testing uncovers the hidden glitches we can fix.
Alireza Chizari, MSc, DC, DACNB
Clinical Focus
Assessment & Treatment Approach
Objective testing may include:
Treatment programs may involve:
Clinic Information
Medical Review
Disclaimer
Comments
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.
Dr. Alireza Chizari
Latest articles