Can a Concussion Cause Vertigo? Why You May Feel Dizzy After a Head Injury
Yes, a concussion can cause vertigo and dizziness, but it is not something you have to simply live with.
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms I see after a concussion. However, dizziness after a concussion is not “just part of recovery,” and it is not something you should have to accept as your new normal.
When someone comes to me with dizziness after a concussion, my goal is not just to treat the symptom. I want to understand why they are dizzy so we can address the root cause.
Why Does a Concussion Cause Dizziness or Vertigo?
A concussion can affect several systems that work together to help you stay balanced, including:
- Your vestibular system, which is your inner ear balance system
- Your visual system, including how your eyes track and process information
- Your somatosensory system, which is your ability to feel and detect the ground with your feet
- Your neck, which contains important information that helps your brain understand movement and position
- The way your brain processes information from your body and environment
When these systems are not communicating properly after a concussion, your brain can receive conflicting information. That can lead to symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- A spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Feeling off balance
- Motion sensitivity
- Headaches
- Nausea
The important thing to remember is that dizziness has many different causes, and each cause requires a different treatment approach.
Can a Concussion Cause Vertigo From Inner Ear Problems?
Yes. One common cause of dizziness after a concussion is a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Inside your inner ear are tiny calcium carbonate particles, often called crystals, that help your brain sense movement and position.
After a concussion, the force from the injury can sometimes displace these crystals from where they normally belong. When those crystals move into one of the semicircular canals of the inner ear, they can send incorrect signals to your brain about movement.
This can create symptoms such as:
- Spinning when you roll over in bed
- Dizziness when you sit up or lie down
- Feeling off balance when changing positions
- Nausea with certain movements
Many people describe it as feeling like the room is moving or spinning, but not everyone experiences a true spinning sensation. Some people simply feel dizzy, unsteady, or “off.”
Is Vertigo After a Concussion Treatable?
Yes.
The good news is that many causes of dizziness after a concussion can be treated once we identify what is causing it.
For example, if BPPV is contributing to your symptoms, treatment may involve specific repositioning techniques designed to move the displaced crystals back where they belong.
Think of it like guiding a small ball through a maze. The goal is to carefully move the crystals through the correct pathway until they return to the area where they function properly.
Sometimes more than one treatment is needed, but BPPV is often very responsive to treatment.
Why Is a Vestibular Evaluation Important After a Concussion?
Because every concussion is different, every vestibular evaluation is personalized.
During an evaluation, I assess how your eyes, inner ear, balance system, and brain are working together. I look at:
- How your eyes move and respond to head movement
- How your balance system responds in different situations
- Whether certain positions trigger your dizziness
- Whether conditions like BPPV may be contributing to your symptoms
In some cases, I use infrared goggles during testing. These specialized goggles place you in darkness while a camera allows me to observe and record your eye movements during vestibular and visual assessments.
This helps me better understand what systems may be contributing to your symptoms and create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
When Should You Be Evaluated for Dizziness After a Concussion?
If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems after a concussion, it is important to be evaluated, especially if your symptoms are not improving.
You do not have to wait until symptoms become severe or assume that dizziness is something you simply have to tolerate.
A comprehensive concussion evaluation can help identify what is causing your symptoms and determine the right next steps for recovery.
A concussion can cause dizziness and vertigo, but those symptoms are not something you have to live with forever.
The key is understanding why you are dizzy. Whether the cause is related to your inner ear, vision, balance system, neck, or how your brain is processing information, identifying the source allows us to create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Want to speak to an expert about treatment for concussion? Contact us at (203) 284-2888 or fill out an appointment request form on our outpatient neurological rehabilitation page.
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.