Untangling the Brain After Concussion

Jadean Hoff, PT, DPT, NCS, CCCM

When people hear “mild traumatic brain injury,” they often think that the word mild indicates that the symptoms must be minor. But that’s not always the case. A concussion can cause headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling “foggy” even though the brain looks completely normal on imaging.

A concussion doesn’t usually cause structural damage. Instead, it disrupts how the brain processes and carries out information like how we think, plan, and complete even simple tasks.

I like to explain it this way: imagine a box of Christmas lights that’s been stored away all year. The wires are intact, but they’re tangled. Until you carefully untangle them, the lights won’t shine properly.

That’s what happens after a concussion. The brain’s “wiring” is physically fine, but its communication pathways are mixed up. Recovery takes patience, time, and teamwork to help the brain “untangle the cords” and work smoothly again.

Because a concussion can affect balance, vision, memory, and processing, no single therapy can address them all. That’s why concussion treatment at Gaylord often involves a team of specialists. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists each play a unique role in helping the brain and body reconnect.

Physical Therapy

After a concussion, balance problems, dizziness, motion sensitivity, and general exercise intolerance are common. Physical therapists use specific exercises to retrain the brain and body to work together again.

PTs can also identify and treat dizziness caused by inner ear issues such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which often follows a head injury. These symptoms are highly treatable, and addressing them early can speed recovery.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists help patients get back to their daily routines. A concussion can make it hard to plan, prioritize, or multitask, so OTs teach strategies to manage fatigue, improve focus, and pace activities safely throughout the day.

They may also recommend simple adjustments at home or work to support healing without overstimulation. Occupational therapists also specialize in post-concussion vision rehabilitation to address any visual disturbances.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Speech therapists don’t just work on communication. After a concussion, they focus on the “thinking” side, helping patients improve memory, attention, and problem-solving.

SLPs teach practical tools like using planners, lists, or verbal rehearsal to manage mental fatigue and stay organized.

Healing Takes a Team

Concussion recovery is rarely one-dimensional. At Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, our team approach ensures that every part of healing - from balance to cognition - is supported.

The brain’s cords may be tangled, but with the right care, they can be gently unwound. With time, guidance, and teamwork, the lights will come back on and shine as brightly as ever!

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.