Brain Health D.C.

A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden acceleration or deceleration inside the skull. This can happen from a direct impact—such as during a sports collision, fall, or motor vehicle accident—or from an indirect force, like whiplash, that causes the brain to shift violently.

The Physiological Effects of a Concussion

When the brain moves inside the skull, several physiological changes occur:

• Shearing of neurons: The rapid movement can stretch or tear delicate neural fibers, disrupting communication between different brain regions.
• Neurotransmitter disruption: The injury interferes with the release and balance of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells. This imbalance can affect cognition, mood, and motor function.
• Energy crisis: The brain may enter a state of metabolic dysfunction, where the demand for energy sharply increases, but blood flow and glucose delivery are reduced.
• Inflammation and ionic shifts: The initial trauma triggers inflammation and alters ion balance in brain cells, impairing their ability to function normally.

These effects are functional, not always structural, which is why conventional scans often appear normal even when symptoms are present.

Acute vs. Delayed Symptoms

Concussion symptoms may emerge immediately after injury, or they may appear hours—or even days—later. Acute symptoms might include dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea, or sensitivity to light and noise. Delayed symptoms can involve mood changes, cognitive difficulties, disrupted sleep, or persistent fatigue.

Immediate Impact on Brain Function

Brain Chemistry and Metabolic Disruption

The brain’s demand for energy increases immediately after injury, yet its ability to produce and utilize energy becomes impaired. This mismatch—known as a metabolic crisis—results from decreased glucose availability, altered ion exchange, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Neurons become less efficient, and brain function slows.

Disruption of Neural Communication

The shearing of axons (nerve fibers) can disturb the precise timing and coordination of signals between brain regions. This breakdown in communication pathways affects processing speed, memory, focus, and emotional regulation. Even minor delays in neural signaling can compound over time, leading to significant functional impairments.

Inflammation and Blood Flow Alterations

Post-injury inflammation occurs as the brain attempts to heal. However, this neuroinflammatory response can further impair neuron function and create secondary damage. At the same time, cerebral blood flow may be reduced, especially to areas involved in executive function, balance, and attention. This contributes to the sensation of “brain fog” and fatigue commonly reported after a concussion.

Involvement of Cranial Nerves and the Vestibular System

The cranial nerves—especially those involved in eye movement, facial sensation, and balance—are frequently affected by concussions. The vestibular system, which helps the brain interpret spatial orientation and coordinate eye, head, and body movement, can also be disrupted. This often results in symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, nausea, and difficulties with balance or coordination.

Common Post-Concussion Symptoms

Cognitive Symptoms

These are some of the most commonly reported post-concussion complaints and often interfere with school, work, or daily tasks:

• Brain fog or a sensation of mental sluggishness
• Short-term memory issues, such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments
• Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention
• Slower mental processing speed

Emotional Symptoms

Altered brain chemistry and disrupted communication pathways can affect emotional regulation:

• Increased anxiety
• Depression or sadness
• Irritability or mood swings
• Decreased stress tolerance

Physical Symptoms

These may be the most recognizable signs of a concussion and often prompt people to seek initial care:

• Headaches or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fatigue, even after minimal exertion

Sensory Symptoms

Disruption to cranial nerves and sensory processing areas in the brain can lead to:

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
• Visual disturbances, such as blurred or double vision
• Difficulty tolerating busy environments or screens

Autonomic and Nervous System Symptoms

The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, is commonly affected:

• Heart rate variability or episodes of rapid heartbeat
• Dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling or staying asleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness

The Healing Process

Natural Timeline of Brain Healing

In many cases, acute symptoms may resolve within 1–3 weeks, particularly in younger, otherwise healthy individuals. However, for others, especially those with previous concussions, pre-existing neurological conditions, or metabolic dysfunctions, recovery can take much longer.

The initial phase of recovery—often referred to as the neurometabolic cascade—includes energy depletion, neurotransmitter imbalances, inflammation, and impaired blood flow. While rest in the first 24–72 hours is appropriate, beyond that, complete rest is not sufficient. Prolonged inactivity can actually delay neurological reintegration and contribute to deconditioning.

Neuroinflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Post-injury, the brain experiences a state of neuroinflammation, which, while part of the natural healing process, can become persistent and disruptive if not managed. This inflammation affects neurotransmission and neural plasticity, contributing to lingering symptoms.

Mitochondria—the energy-producing structures within brain cells—are also impacted. After a concussion, mitochondrial efficiency is reduced, leading to decreased energy availability, especially in regions of high cognitive demand. Supporting mitochondrial recovery is a key component of neurological rehabilitation.

Individual Variability in Recovery

Each brain is different. Genetics, prior concussions, nutritional status, hormonal balance, and inflammatory load all influence how someone heals from a brain injury. A protocol that works for one person may be ineffective—or even counterproductive—for another.

This variability reinforces the importance of a personalized approach to care. Functional assessments help identify which systems have been disrupted and guide the therapeutic strategy.

Neuroplasticity: Your Brain’s Superpower

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections throughout life. After an injury like a concussion, neuroplasticity becomes the foundation for recovery. When certain neural pathways are disrupted or impaired, the brain has the potential to reroute functions through alternate circuits. This adaptability is what makes rehabilitation possible, even when symptoms feel persistent or complex.

How Repetition, Novelty, and Targeted Stimulation Aid Recovery

For neuroplasticity to occur, the brain needs the right input. Research shows that repetitive, targeted, and novel stimulation helps strengthen weak pathways and create new, more efficient ones. These inputs can take many forms depending on the specific dysfunction:

• Ocular and vestibular exercises for balance and visual integration
• Cognitive tasks to improve memory, focus, and processing speed
• Sensory motor training to restore spatial awareness and coordination
• Neurofeedback or low-level laser therapy to optimize neurological regulation

Why Some Symptoms Linger: Post-Concussion Syndrome

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) refers to a collection of symptoms that persist beyond the expected recovery window—typically longer than 3–4 weeks for adults or one month for children. These symptoms can include chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, mood disturbances, and sleep problems.

PCS is not the result of structural brain damage. Instead, it reflects ongoing functional imbalances in how the brain communicates, processes information, and regulates the nervous system.

Why Does It Happen?

While most individuals recover fully from a concussion, a significant number experience prolonged symptoms due to unaddressed or compounding factors. Common contributors to lingering dysfunction include:

• Neuroinflammation that remains unresolved
• Mitochondrial dysfunction impairing energy production
• Poor nutritional support, particularly deficiencies in key brain nutrients
• Lack of movement or sensory input, leading to deconditioning of neural pathways
• Chronic stress, which dysregulates the autonomic nervous system
• Vestibular or ocular dysfunction that goes unrecognized

Your Path to Brain Recovery

A concussion is not simply an event—it’s a disruption in brain function that can affect many areas of life. But it’s also not the end of the story. With the right tools, evaluation, and support, recovery is possible. The brain is adaptable, and through neuroplasticity, it has the capacity to heal, rewire, and regain optimal function.

At Brain Health D.C., we specialize in identifying the specific systems affected by concussion and applying targeted, evidence-based therapies that promote real neurological change. Whether you’re newly injured or still managing symptoms months—or even years—later, your recovery can start now.

Take the Next Step

If you or someone you care about is experiencing lingering effects of a concussion, we invite you to schedule a consultation and begin your healing process.

• Book online: Click here to schedule
• Contact us: Email infochiro@fitnessgenome.net or call (858) 208-0710
• Learn more: Explore Who We Help or read Dr. Nisreen’s story

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