Why Your Concussion Symptoms Might Still Be Lingering - And What You Can Do About It

Have you ever wondered why your concussion symptoms are still hanging around weeks, or even months, after your injury? You’re not alone. While most people expect to feel better in a couple of weeks, research shows that up to 20-30% of people continue to have symptoms beyond a month.

The truth is, a concussion doesn’t just involve your brain. It’s a complex injury that can impact multiple systems in your body, and each one might be contributing to why you’re still not feeling like yourself.

I look beyond simply telling you to “rest more.” Here’s what we often find is driving lingering symptoms:

1. Your Autonomic Nervous System is Out of Sync

This is your “automatic” system that controls heart rate, blood flow, digestion, and more. After a concussion, it often gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode, leading to exercise intolerance, brain fog, digestive issues, and poor stress resilience.

2. Ongoing Inflammation and Gut Involvement

Concussions can disrupt your gut barrier (often called “leaky gut”), triggering low-grade inflammation that loops back to your brain. This can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and a longer recovery.

3. Vestibular and Visual Issues

If your eyes or balance systems aren’t working smoothly, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or motion sensitive. Over 60% of concussion patients have these issues, yet they’re often missed in routine care.

4. Hidden Neck Injuries

Every concussion involves acceleration forces that also affect your neck. Even without neck pain, subtle issues in your cervical spine can drive headaches, dizziness, and eye tracking problems.

5. The Role of Stress, Anxiety, and Mood

Persistent symptoms can create a cycle of worry and avoidance that actually amplifies physical issues. Anxiety and mood changes aren’t “just in your head,” they’re common after concussion and part of a whole-body response.

The good news?

All of these systems are treatable. By assessing each area, from your neck and balance to gut health and nervous system regulation, we can build a tailored plan to help you truly recover.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck after a concussion, reach out. I’d be happy to guide you with an active, evidence-based approach that goes far beyond rest.