“It’s All in Your Head”: Why Dismissing Concussion Symptoms Causes Real Harm

“It’s All in Your Head”: Why Dismissing Concussion Symptoms Causes Real Harm in Kansas City

If you've ever been told your concussion symptoms are “just in your head,” you know how invalidating and frustrating that can feel. Unfortunately, this myth is still common — and it causes real damage.

At our Kansas City clinic, we help concussion patients from Liberty, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and Overland Park who have been dismissed or misdiagnosed because their symptoms aren’t visible on a scan. Here's why that mindset is outdated — and dangerous.

🧠 Concussions Are Invisible, But Very Real

Concussions are functional brain injuries, not always structural. That means the brain may look normal on MRI or CT scans, but it’s not working normally at a cellular level. Patients may experience:

• Headaches

• Brain fog

• Visual changes

• Dizziness

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety or mood swings

These symptoms are very real and often result from disruptions in cervical spine input, vestibular balance, vision processing, or autonomic function — not imagination.

🧨 The Harmful Impact of the “All in Your Head” Message

When patients are told their symptoms are exaggerated, psychological, or imaginary, it creates a powerful nocebo effect. This can lead to:

• Delayed recovery

• Heightened anxiety or depression

• Avoidance of helpful rehab strategies

• Feeling isolated or hopeless

Worse, patients often stop seeking care altogether — even when targeted treatment could make a huge difference.

📚 What the Research Says

Evidence shows that validation and early education improve outcomes. Patients who understand their injury — and feel believed — are more likely to engage in rehab, recover faster, and avoid long-term complications.

Ignoring or dismissing symptoms often results in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) that could have been prevented with early, supportive care.

💡 You Deserve to Be Heard — and Treated with Respect

At Lance Stevenson, DC, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based concussion care for patients across Kansas City, Raytown, Blue Springs, Shawnee, and Grandview. We understand that just because your symptoms don’t show up on a scan doesn’t mean they aren’t real.

Our clinic specializes in:

• Vestibular and visual rehab

• Cervical spine assessments

• Autonomic regulation strategies

• Education that empowers patients — not invalidates them

📞 Call 816-226-7476 to schedule a concussion evaluation.
Don’t let outdated beliefs hold back your recovery — get the care you deserve today.

For more information about my approach to concussion care, please visit completeconcussions.com.

Been in an Accident? Start Here.

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

Expert Personal Injury Care