Jadean Hoff, PT, DPT, NCS, CCCM
Concussions - even mild ones - can leave lasting effects that aren’t detectable on a scan. While many people associate concussions with headaches or “brain fog,” one of the most common and often overlooked symptoms is dizziness or imbalance.
Post-concussion dizziness is often caused by vestibular issues, particularly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition of the inner ear that’s commonly referred to as vertigo.
Understanding how concussions and vertigo are connected is key to swift diagnosis, treatment, and can help prevent secondary complications such as injuries from falls and trips.
How concussions affect balance
A concussion doesn’t usually cause structural damage to the brain. Instead, it disrupts how the brain processes information, plans movements, and communicates with the body.
Even when the brain’s wiring is physically intact, this “tangled” communication can make coordinating balance, posture, and eye movements more difficult. That’s why people recovering from concussions often feel off-balance, dizzy, or disoriented, especially when moving their head, standing up quickly, or rolling over in bed.
The role of the inner ear
The vestibular system in the inner ear controls balance and spatial orientation. Tiny calcium crystals, called otoconia, normally sit in a specific part of the ear to help detect movement. A concussion can cause these crystals to move out of place.
When otoconia shift, the brain receives mixed signals, resulting in brief, spinning sensations that usually last fewer than 60 seconds. In older people, the sensation can feel more like imbalance. This is why some concussion patients experience vertigo that persists or comes and goes, even after other symptoms improve.
Diagnosing and treating vertigo after concussion
If dizziness or imbalance lingers after a concussion, it’s important not to ignore it. These symptoms are often signs of an underlying vestibular issue, such as BPPV, that can be easily treated once identified.
At Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, our neurological physical therapists use specialized vestibular assessment goggles and targeted movement testing to pinpoint which part(s) of the inner ear(s) is affected. Once diagnosed, treatment is gentle and highly effective.
Using precise repositioning maneuvers, physical therapists can guide the displaced calcium crystals back to their proper location in the ear, restoring balance and reducing dizziness in just one or two sessions.
Dizziness and imbalance after a concussion are never symptoms to “push through.” Early evaluation and therapy not only speed recovery but also help prevent falls and future complications.
If you or a loved one is experiencing dizziness or imbalance, schedule a vestibular evaluation today.
This content is for educational purposes only and is meant to provide general information. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. In case of a medical emergency, contact your doctor or call 911 right away.
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Jadean Hoff, PT, DPT, NCS, CCCM