Neck & Head
Concussion & Post-Traumatic Headache
Also called: Mild traumatic brain injury
A functional brain injury from impact or rapid acceleration — a crash, fall, or sports collision — disrupting how brain cells signal and use energy. Loss of consciousness is NOT required. The neck is almost always injured alongside, and persistent post-concussion symptoms frequently have a large treatable cervical component.
Common signs
- Headache, pressure, fogginess, and fatigue after impact
- Dizziness, balance problems, visual strain
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Irritability, anxiety, sleep disruption
- Trouble concentrating; symptoms worsen with mental effort
Seek help now if
- Worsening headache, repeated vomiting, or increasing confusion — emergency
- One pupil larger than the other; seizure; can't be awakened
- Slurred speech, weakness, numbness
- Any concerning decline in the first 24–48 hours
If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.
What to do first
- Get evaluated within days — a baseline of eye, balance, neck, and cognitive findings guides recovery
- Relative rest for 24–48 hours only, then gradual return to light activity — prolonged dark-room rest delays recovery
- No screen marathons, no alcohol, protect sleep
- Do not return to sport or risky activity until cleared
The longer road
- Symptoms beyond 3–4 weeks deserve a systematic workup across five areas: neck, balance (vestibular), eyes, autonomic nervous system, and mood/sleep — each has specific treatment
- The neck is the most commonly missed driver of persistent headache and dizziness after concussion
- Aerobic exercise kept just below the level that brings on symptoms is one of the best-evidenced treatments for prolonged recovery
Natural healing options we use
- Cervical examination and treatment (joints, deep flexors)
- Vestibular and gaze-stabilization rehabilitation
- Graded aerobic exercise programming
- Omega-3, magnesium, and creatine support; strict sleep hygiene
- Breathwork for autonomic regulation
About imaging
CT/MRI are usually normal in concussion and are used to exclude bleeding when red flags exist — normal imaging does not mean 'nothing is wrong.'
Daily self-care
- Gradual, stepwise return to work/school/sport
- Daily light aerobic activity below symptom threshold
- Consistent sleep and hydration; avoid alcohol entirely during recovery
More in Neck & Head
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Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.