Balance Problems After Concussion: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Recovery Tips
Experiencing balance problems after a concussion? You’re not alone. Many individuals struggle with dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo long after their initial injury. Understanding why these symptoms occur and how to address them is essential for long-term recovery.
If you’re looking for expert guidance to regain your stability, consider joining The Concussion Solution online program. Our step-by-step approach is designed to help you recover from the comfort of your home.
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Why Do Concussions Cause Balance Problems?
A concussion can disrupt multiple systems in the body that control balance, including:
The Vestibular System – Located in the inner ear, this system helps maintain spatial awareness and equilibrium. A concussion can cause vestibular dysfunction, leading to dizziness and unsteadiness. Damage to the inner ear can lead to positional vertigo, while disruptions in how the brain processes vestibular input can further exacerbate balance challenges.
The Visual System – Your brain integrates visual input to maintain balance. Post-concussion vision problems, such as difficulty focusing or tracking objects, can contribute to instability. Visual vertigo, where busy patterns or rapid motion trigger dizziness, is a common issue.
Proprioception and the Musculoskeletal System – Your body relies on sensory feedback from muscles and joints to stay balanced. Concussions can reduce proprioceptive awareness, leading to clumsiness and an increased risk of falls. Weakness and stiffness in the neck can also affect your spatial perception.
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction – When this system is dysregulated, it can result in lightheadedness, dizziness, and intolerance to movement. Symptoms like increased heart rate and dizziness with minimal activity are often signs of dysautonomia.
Understanding which systems are impacted can help guide your recovery. Our online program, The Concussion Solution, includes assessments and exercises tailored to address your specific symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Post-Concussion Balance Issues
If you're dealing with ongoing balance problems after a concussion, you might experience:
Feeling unsteady when walking or standing
Difficulty focusing on objects while moving
Sensitivity to motion (e.g., feeling dizzy in busy environments)
Vertigo or a spinning sensation
Increased fatigue or headaches with movement
Trouble navigating uneven surfaces or stairs
Feelings of disorientation, especially in visually complex environments
These symptoms can make daily activities challenging, but the good news is that targeted rehabilitation can significantly improve your balance and overall function.
Effective Recovery Strategies for Post-Concussion Balance Problems
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can retrain your brain to process balance signals correctly. A specialized physical therapist can design a program to address your specific deficits. Common VRT exercises include:
Gaze Stabilization – Helps improve visual focus during head movement.
Balance Training – Exercises on unstable surfaces to challenge your equilibrium.
Habituation Exercises – Repeated exposure to dizziness triggers to reduce sensitivity.
Our program includes video-guided vestibular exercises to help you regain balance at your own pace.
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2. Visual Rehabilitation
If your balance problems stem from visual disturbances, vision therapy or targeted exercises can improve eye tracking and coordination, reducing dizziness and motion sensitivity. Exercises like smooth pursuit training (tracking slow-moving objects) or convergence exercises (bringing an object toward your nose) can be highly effective.
We cover effective visual exercises in The Concussion Solution, making it easier for you to retrain your visual system.
Explore Visual Rehabilitation Techniques in The Concussion Solution
3. Proprioceptive Training
Exercises that improve body awareness, such as balance training and coordination drills, can enhance stability. Simple activities like standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe can help retrain your body’s sense of position.
More advanced proprioceptive exercises include:
Balancing on a foam pad with eyes closed
Performing head turns while walking
Coordinating arm and leg movements with balance tasks
Find Effective Exercises in The Concussion Solution
4. Gradual Return to Physical Activity
Movement is crucial for recovery. Structured, progressive exercise—such as interval training—helps restore autonomic function, reducing dizziness and fatigue. Exercise that includes short bursts of movement followed by rest can improve cardiovascular and neurological function without overloading your system.
Our Concussion Solution program includes guided movement strategies to help you regain confidence in your body.
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5. Addressing Neck Dysfunction
Neck issues, including cervicogenic dizziness, can contribute to balance problems. Concussion-related neck dysfunction can lead to impaired proprioception, muscle tightness, and reduced range of motion.
Effective treatments include:
Manual therapy to restore mobility
Dry needling to relieve muscle tension
Strength and coordination exercises to restore function
We provide step-by-step guidance to address neck dysfunction and reduce dizziness through The Concussion Solution.
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When to Seek Professional Help
If your balance issues persist for weeks or months after your concussion, working with a professional who understands post-concussion rehabilitation is essential. The Concussion Solution online program provides expert-led guidance, evidence-based exercises, and personalized strategies to help you recover—no matter where you are.
Regain Your Balance and Confidence
Struggling with ongoing dizziness and instability? You don’t have to navigate this alone. The Concussion Solution gives you access to proven strategies to restore balance and improve your quality of life.
Join The Concussion Solution Online Program Now
By addressing the root causes of balance problems and implementing the right recovery strategies, you can regain stability, reduce dizziness, and get back to the activities you love.
Additional Reading:
Sleep Problems After a Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes & Solutions
How to Reduce Brain Fog After a Concussion
Sleep Problems After a Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes & Solutions
