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.
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.
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Kansas City, MO 64114