Dysautonomia After Concussion: The Nervous System Imbalance No One Talks About

Why You Still Feel “Off” Weeks After a Concussion

Many people expect to recover from a concussion in a week or two. But if you're still struggling with dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, or intolerance to activity, you may be dealing with something called dysautonomia—an often overlooked effect of brain injury.

At our Kansas City clinic, we frequently find that patients suffering from lingering symptoms after a concussion have autonomic nervous system dysfunction driving their problems. The good news? It’s identifiable and treatable.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, breathing, blood pressure, pupil dilation, and temperature regulation. It has two main branches:

• Sympathetic (fight or flight)

• Parasympathetic (rest and digest)

A healthy brain regulates the balance between these two branches automatically. After a concussion, that regulation can break down—leading to sympathetic dominance and a cascade of dysfunction throughout the body.

What Causes Autonomic Dysfunction After a Brain Injury?

After a concussion:

• The brainstem (where autonomic regulation occurs) may become inflamed or disrupted

• Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier leakiness keep the system on high alert

• The vagus nerve—key to parasympathetic regulation—can become underactive

• Energy deficits (ATP depletion) reduce the brain’s ability to regulate core functions

This creates a body that feels “stuck in fight-or-flight,” even when you're trying to rest.

Symptoms of Post-Concussion Dysautonomia

If you’ve experienced any of the following since your concussion, dysautonomia may be involved:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing (orthostatic intolerance or POTS)

• Rapid heartbeat with minimal exertion

• Intolerance to exercise or heat

• Chronic fatigue that rest doesn’t fix

• Cold hands and feet

• Digestive slowdown (constipation, nausea)

• Sensory sensitivity and irritability

• Sleep disruption (can’t fall asleep or wake frequently)

This is not just anxiety—it's physiological, and it can be corrected.

Why Resting Too Much Can Make It Worse

While rest is important immediately after a concussion, too much rest—especially prolonged physical and cognitive inactivity—can actually worsen autonomic imbalance.

You need movement and stimulation, but it has to be the right type, intensity, and timing. This is where our clinic’s approach makes all the difference.

How We Treat Dysautonomia at Our Kansas City Clinic

Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC tailors treatment based on how your autonomic nervous system is functioning. We use testing, symptom analysis, and response to movement to guide care.

🌬️ Vagus Nerve & Breath Training:

• Breathwork exercises to shift the body out of fight-or-flight

• HRV (heart rate variability) monitoring to track nervous system balance

• Cold exposure, humming, gargling to activate the vagus nerve naturally

🧠 EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy):

• Supports better oxygenation and ANS re-regulation

• Allows for controlled activity with less symptom flare-up

• Helps the brain retrain baroreceptors and postural control

🧘 Graded Movement Therapy:

• Personalized pacing strategy to gradually increase activity tolerance

• Avoids boom-and-bust cycles that worsen fatigue

💊 Supplement Support:

• Magnesium glycinate or threonate to support neuromuscular relaxation

• Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to balance cortisol

• B vitamins and CoQ10 to support mitochondrial and nerve function

Serving the Kansas City Metro

We help patients across Overland Park, North Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, and beyond who are struggling with post-concussion symptoms and don’t know where to turn.

Even if other providers have told you “everything looks normal,” you could still be living with an untreated autonomic issue.

Your Next Step

If you’ve had a concussion and you’re still lightheaded, exhausted, or overwhelmed by small tasks, dysautonomia may be to blame. And the sooner we address it, the faster you can heal.

📞 Call Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC today at 816-226-7476
Schedule your free consultation and start getting your nervous system—and your life—back on track.

Special thanks to Complete Concussions for their training and educational resources. To learn more about comprehensive concussion treatment options, visit completeconcussions.com.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always follow the advice and treatment plan given by your medical professional.

Been in an Accident? Start Here.

Call us today for a free consultation or with any questions.

Expert Personal Injury Care