Autonomic Dysregulation After a Concussion or Brain Injury
How Brain Injuries Impact Cerebral Blood Flow, Oxygen, the Nervous System, and Long-Term Recovery
When someone suffers a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), the damage isn’t always visible on a scan. But under the surface, complex changes begin to unfold. These changes—often involving the autonomic nervous system, blood flow, oxygen levels, and cellular inflammation—can disrupt normal brain function and lead to lingering symptoms that don’t go away with rest.
At our Kansas City clinic, we specialize in modern, active concussion care that targets these hidden dysfunctions and supports real healing.
The Neurometabolic Cascade: What Happens Immediately After a Concussion
Right after a concussion, the brain undergoes what's known as a neurometabolic cascade—a chain reaction of chemical and cellular events triggered by the injury. This includes:
A surge in glutamate and calcium levels
Rapid drops in ATP (brain energy)
Disrupted ion balance across brain cells
Increased demand for glucose despite reduced cerebral blood flow
Release of inflammatory cytokines
This chaotic energy crisis stresses brain cells and impairs their ability to function. Even though the injury might be mild, the cellular disruption is not—and it can take weeks or even months for the brain to rebalance itself.
Leakiness of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
Another major issue is damage to the blood-brain barrier, the protective lining that controls what enters and exits brain tissue. After a concussion:
The BBB can become leaky, allowing toxins, immune cells, and inflammatory proteins to enter the brain
This can trigger a chronic inflammatory state
It may also sensitize the brain to light, sound, motion, and stress
And it often worsens autonomic dysregulation, oxygen imbalance, and blood flow instability
A compromised BBB is one of the main drivers of persistent post-concussion symptoms, even when imaging looks normal.
Autonomic Dysregulation and Sympathetic Dominance
When the autonomic nervous system is disrupted, patients can experience:
Racing heart or lightheadedness
Shallow, irregular breathing
Sleep disturbances
Hormone imbalances
Chronic fatigue or “brain fog”
Anxiety, panic-like symptoms, or sensory overload
This is often a result of sympathetic dominance, where the body remains stuck in a chronic stress response.
Why Rest Alone Can Make Things Worse
While rest is important in the first 24–48 hours after injury, extended rest beyond that can delay recovery. Prolonged inactivity reduces blood flow, oxygen delivery, and brain stimulation—all of which are critical for healing.
Modern research now supports active recovery using:
Light cardiovascular exercise
Breathing retraining
Vagus nerve stimulation
Gradual return to physical and cognitive activity
How EWOT Supports Concussion Recovery
We use Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) to safely reintroduce controlled movement while boosting oxygen delivery and flushing out CO₂. EWOT helps:
Normalize cerebral blood flow
Restore oxygen balance in healing tissue
Support autonomic and neurovascular regulation
Improve HRV, energy, and mood
Help patients tolerate standing, movement, and light without symptoms
It’s one of the fastest ways to interrupt the stress cycle and help the brain get back on track.
The Power of Breathing Retraining
After a concussion, most people unconsciously begin breathing faster and shallower, especially when feeling anxious or dizzy. This worsens CO₂ retention and activates the stress response.
We teach simple paced breathing exercises (typically 4–6 breaths per minute) that:
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Improve vagal tone and HRV
Calm the fight-or-flight system
Enhance cerebral oxygenation
Support better sleep and emotional regulation
This technique is safe, simple, and one of the most effective tools for healing from the inside out.
Symptoms of Ongoing Dysregulation After Concussion
If you're still struggling with symptoms weeks or months after a concussion, you’re not alone—and there is a reason for it. Common symptoms include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches or pressure in the head
Fatigue or feeling “off”
Sensitivity to light, sound, or motion
Anxiety or mood swings
Brain fog or trouble focusing
Racing heart or chest tightness
These are signs of unresolved neurometabolic, autonomic, and inflammatory dysfunction—not just a minor bump on the head.
Why Choose Dr. Lance Stevenson for Concussion Recovery?
Dr. Lance Stevenson is Kansas City’s trusted expert in concussion care and post-traumatic brain dysfunction. With a focus on restoring brain-body regulation, our clinic provides:
Comprehensive neuro-autonomic evaluations
Guided treatment including EWOT, breathing therapy, and HRV-based interventions
Legal and billing support for personal injury cases
No out-of-pocket cost if you're under a medical lien
We don’t wait for symptoms to go away. We help your brain recover—step by step.
Best Whiplash Chiropractor in Kansas City
Lance@ChiroKC.com
816-226-7476
© 2025 Lance Stevenson, DC, LLC. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, legal, or insurance advice. While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it should not be relied upon as the sole basis for decisions regarding your health, legal matters, or insurance claims. Please consult with your healthcare provider, attorney, insurance company, or other relevant professionals for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.
1010 Carondelet Dr., Suite 416
Kansas City, MO 64114