Neuroinflammation After Concussion: Why Your Brain Feels Foggy

Neuroinflammation After Concussion: Why Your Brain Feels Foggy

1. What Is Neuroinflammation?

Neuroinflammation refers to inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS)—specifically, the brain and spinal cord. After a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), your brain's native immune cells—microglia and astrocytes—become activated. While one injury event may resolve quickly, lingering and uncontrolled neuroinflammation can lead to prolonged cognitive and emotional symptoms

2. Why Does It Happen After a Concussion?

A concussion disrupts neuronal cell energy (the neurometabolic cascade) and can damage the blood-brain barrier (BBB). When this protective barrier becomes leaky, peripheral inflammatory cells and cytokines (like IL‑6 and TNF‑α) enter the brain, worsening the inflammatory response.

3. Symptoms You Might Be Experiencing

Neuroinflammation can manifest as symptoms that linger long after your initial concussion:

• Brain fog, memory challenges, or slowed thinking

• Persistent headaches, sensitivity to light or sound

• Emotional changes: anxiety, mood swings

• Trouble concentrating, reading, or multitasking

If these have continued weeks or months after your incident, neuroinflammation may be at play.

4. Why Ignoring It Keeps You Stuck

When microglia remain overactive and the BBB stays compromised, the brain remains in a heightened inflammatory state—hindering true recovery. In fact, animal and post-mortem studies show that such inflammation may persist months or years after a concussion.

5. How We Treat Neuroinflammation at Our Kansas City Clinic

Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC provides targeted interventions to calm brain inflammation and support recovery:

Nutraceutical Support

• High-dose omega‑3s (DHA/EPA) for membrane repair and inflammation control

• Curcumin and resveratrol to reduce microglial activation

Metabolic & Oxygen Therapies

• EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy) to boost cerebral metabolism and circulation

• Photobiomodulation (light therapy) to calm glial cells and promote brain healing

Brain Function Rehabilitation

• Customized cognitive and vestibular exercises to engage underactive neural circuits and rebuild function

6. What to Do If You're Still Struggling

1. Schedule a comprehensive concussion evaluation — We use the CORE Program to assess brain, neck, vestibular, and neurological function. en.wikipedia.org+11bestchiropractorinkansascity.com+11my.usaflag.org+11instagram.com

2. Assess for systemic contributors — Inflammation, gut-brain disruption, hormonal imbalances often exacerbate neuroinflammation.

3. Start a targeted care path — Combining nutrition, oxygen/metabolic support, and brain exercise promotes durable recovery.

Kansas City-Specific Care

If you're in the Kansas City metro—including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City, The Plaza, or nearby—Dr. Stevenson’s practice is equipped to expedite your recovery with same‑day or next‑day concussion evaluations.

Your Next Step

Brain fog and lingering concussion symptoms aren’t just in your head—they’re signs of ongoing inflammation.
Call Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC at 816‑226‑7476 today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward true brain healing.

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.

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