Dizziness After a Concussion: When to See a Vestibular Physio Concussions, often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries, can manifest with a bewildering array of symptoms, and among the most common and persistent is dizziness. This isn't just a fleeting lightheadedness; for many in Grande Prairie, it can be a debilitating sensation of imbalance, spinning, or unsteadiness that significantly disrupts daily life. While rest is the initial prescription for concussion recovery, persistent dizziness signals the need for specialized intervention. Knowing when to see a vestibular physiotherapist is crucial for optimal recovery. Vestibular Physiotherapy Grande Prairie At Junction Point Physical Therapy, we specialize in vestibular rehabilitation, providing expert care to help you regain your balance and clarity after a concussion.
The Complex Nature of Post-Concussion Dizziness Dizziness following a concussion is complex because it can stem from several different sources, often simultaneously: Vestibular System Dysfunction: The vestibular system, located in your inner ear and brain, is responsible for your sense of balance, spatial orientation, and coordinating eye movements with head movements. A concussion can directly damage or disrupt the function of this system. This can lead to conditions like:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Where dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear send false signals to the brain, causing brief, intense spinning sensations, often with head position changes. Vestibular Hypofunction: A reduced function of one or both inner ear balance organs, leading to chronic unsteadiness and difficulty stabilizing vision during head movements. Central Vestibular Dysfunction: Issues within the brain's processing centers for balance information. Cervicogenic Dizziness: Injuries to the neck (cervical spine) are very common with concussions, especially from whiplash-type mechanisms. Dysfunction in the neck joints, muscles, or nerves can send abnormal signals to the brain's balance centers, causing dizziness, unsteadiness, and often associated neck pain and headaches. Oculomotor Dysfunction: Concussions can affect the control of eye movements, leading to symptoms like blurry vision, difficulty tracking objects, or eye strain, which can manifest as dizziness. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: The impact of a concussion can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like lightheadedness upon standing, fatigue, or difficulty regulating heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to dizzy sensations. When to Seek Vestibular Physiotherapy While initial rest and symptom monitoring are important, if your dizziness persists beyond a few days or intensifies, it's a strong indicator that specialized vestibular physiotherapy is needed. Don't wait for weeks or months hoping it will simply disappear. Early intervention often leads to faster and more complete recovery. You should consider seeing a vestibular physiotherapist at Junction Point Physical Therapy if you experience any of the following post-concussion dizziness symptoms: Persistent spinning sensations (vertigo). Ongoing feelings of unsteadiness or imbalance, particularly when walking or in busy environments. Dizziness triggered or worsened by specific head movements (e.g., looking up, rolling over in bed, quick turns). Blurred vision or difficulty focusing your eyes during head movements or when moving through visually complex environments.
A feeling of lightheadedness or "dizziness" that doesn't improve with general rest. Associated neck pain, stiffness, or headaches that co-occur with your dizziness. Increased fatigue or cognitive fogginess related to your efforts to manage dizziness. Anxiety or fear of falling that limits your daily activities. The Junction Point Physical Therapy Advantage in Grande Prairie At Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, our vestibular physiotherapists are highly trained in the intricate assessment and treatment of post-concussion dizziness. Our approach is evidence-based and individualized: Comprehensive Assessment: We conduct a thorough evaluation, including specific tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your dizziness (e.g., eye movement analysis, balance assessments, positional testing for BPPV, and comprehensive neck assessment). Targeted Treatment: Your personalized treatment plan may include: Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, these precise movements can resolve symptoms often in just one or two sessions. Gaze Stabilization Exercises: To improve eye control and reduce visual dizziness. Balance Retraining: Progressive exercises to improve stability and confidence in various environments. Habituation Exercises: To desensitize the brain to movements that provoke dizziness. Manual Therapy & Exercises for Neck Pain: If cervicogenic dizziness is a factor, we address the underlying neck dysfunction. Return-to-Activity Guidance: A structured progression to safely return to work, school, and sport. Don't let post-concussion dizziness dictate your life. If you're in Grande Prairie and struggling with these symptoms, Junction Point Physical Therapy offers the expert vestibular care conveniently located near you. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and take the crucial step towards regaining your balance, clarity, and control after a concussion.
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