Inflammation After a Concussion: Understanding the Cascade

Concussions are more than just head injuries. They trigger a neurometabolic cascade that sets off inflammation across multiple body systems. This includes neuroinflammation, gut-brain axis disruption, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and hormone imbalance.

These aren’t isolated issues. They interact, build on each other, and can prolong or worsen symptoms when not properly addressed.

Neuroinflammation: The Brain on Fire

After a concussion, inflammation within the brain (neuroinflammation) can linger for weeks or longer. This is caused by overactive microglia and a leaky blood-brain barrier, which allow inflammatory molecules to flood the brain.

Common symptoms include:

• Brain fog

• Light/sound sensitivity

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

Treatment strategies at our clinic:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (high-potency DHA/EPA) to reduce inflammation and promote cell repair

• Resveratrol and curcumin to calm microglial overactivation

• EWOT (Exercise with Oxygen Therapy) to support brain metabolism and oxygenation

• Photobiomodulation therapy (if applicable) for reducing glial inflammation and improving brain function

• Targeted brain rehab exercises to re-engage underactive regions of the brain

Gut-Brain Axis Disruption: Healing the Source

The gut and brain communicate constantly. After a head injury, inflammation disrupts this connection, often leading to digestive symptoms, increased gut permeability, and a rise in pro-inflammatory bacteria.

Signs of gut-brain dysfunction:

• Bloating, constipation, or GI pain

• Food sensitivities

• Mood issues linked to meals

• Brain fog after eating

Treatment strategies we use:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: reducing sugar, processed foods, gluten, and dairy

• Gut-repair nutrients: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and aloe

• Probiotics and prebiotics: to restore healthy gut flora

• Polyphenols: from green tea extract and quercetin to reduce intestinal inflammation

• Stool testing and GI mapping (when needed) to identify dysbiosis and triggers

A healthy gut helps calm the brain and accelerates concussion recovery.

Dysautonomia: Regulating the Nervous System

After a concussion, many patients develop dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This keeps the body in a state of sympathetic overdrive, which worsens inflammation and disrupts healing.

Symptoms of dysautonomia include:

• Fast heart rate or dizziness when standing

• Fatigue that worsens with activity

• Poor temperature regulation

• Difficulty sleeping

Our treatments may include:

• EWOT therapy to re-regulate autonomic balance and improve oxygen delivery

• Heart rate variability (HRV) training and breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic system

• Adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha and rhodiola) to lower cortisol and stress hormones

• Magnesium and B vitamins to support nervous system recovery

• Graded exercise to gently rebuild tolerance and reset ANS function

When the nervous system is balanced, the whole body heals more effectively.

Endocrine Dysfunction: Balancing Your Hormones After Head Trauma

The pituitary gland is highly sensitive to concussion forces. Inflammation around this area can result in hormone imbalances that affect everything from energy to mood to metabolism.

Symptoms of post-concussion hormone dysfunction:

• Low energy or motivation

• Sleep disturbances

• Irregular cycles or low libido

• Depression, anxiety, or weight gain

Treatment approaches include:

• Functional hormone testing to assess cortisol, DHEA, thyroid, and sex hormone levels

• Supportive supplements: including vitamin D, B6, omega-3s, and specific herbs for pituitary support

• Macronutrient-focused dietary changes to stabilize blood sugar and hormone output

• Sleep and circadian rhythm repair protocols to restore natural hormone cycling

• Collaboration with endocrinology (if needed) for complex cases

We don't guess—we test and customize your care.

Why You Might Still Feel “Off”

If you're still dealing with symptoms like:

• Brain fog

• GI problems

• Insomnia

• Hormone changes

• Anxiety or fatigue

…it may be due to unresolved inflammation impacting multiple systems. It’s not “just in your head.” These are real, physiological responses to injury—and they’re treatable.