How We Test and Identify Dysautonomia After Concussion — Kansas City’s Concussion Specialist Explains

How We Test and Identify Dysautonomia After Concussion — Kansas City’s Concussion Specialist Explains

What Is Dysautonomia and Why Testing Matters After a Concussion

Dysautonomia happens when the autonomic nervous system stops regulating automatic functions correctly. This can affect heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, temperature control, and overall stress response. After a concussion, many patients in Kansas City develop some form of dysautonomia, but it often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms look similar to other post-concussion issues.

At our Kansas City concussion clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC uses detailed autonomic testing to identify these changes early so patients get a treatment plan that matches their specific nervous system needs.

Testing That May be Used to Identify Dysautonomia

1. Heart Rate Variability Testing (HRV)
HRV shows how well the autonomic nervous system adapts to stress. Low HRV is common after a concussion and can signal reduced parasympathetic activity, sympathetic dominance, and delayed recovery. Tracking HRV helps us understand how the brain and nervous system are functioning over time.

2. Orthostatic Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Testing
We measure your heart rate and blood pressure during position changes such as lying down, sitting, and standing. Large jumps or drops can indicate orthostatic intolerance or POTS, two frequent forms of dysautonomia seen in post concussion patients throughout Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, and surrounding areas.

3. Symptom Questionnaires and Functional Assessments
Standardized assessments help us identify how dysautonomia affects daily activities like driving, working, exercise tolerance, and concentration. This information allows us to design a personalized recovery plan.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Makes Recovery Faster

When dysautonomia is identified early, we can target the underlying autonomic imbalance instead of only treating symptoms. Patients often experience improvements in fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, exercise tolerance, and overall quality of life once the autonomic system is addressed. Accurate testing also helps reduce the risk of long lasting post concussion symptoms.

How Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC Helps Kansas City Patients with Dysautonomia

Based on your test results, treatment may include:

• Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT)
• Vagus nerve stimulation and breathwork strategies
• Graded activity and exertion programs
• Nutritional supplements to support nervous system health
• Coordination with additional medical providers when needed

Every plan is customized to help your brain and autonomic system restore proper balance.

Take the First Step Toward Answers

If you are dealing with dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, temperature sensitivity, or digestive changes after a concussion, dysautonomia may be affecting your recovery.

Call 816-226-7476 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC, Kansas City’s concussion specialist. Let us help you find out whether autonomic dysfunction is slowing your healing.

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