Post-Concussion Syndrome: How I Identify and Rehab the Affected Systems

Concussions are often misunderstood as simple, short-lived head injuries. But for many people—especially after a car accident—the symptoms don’t go away after a few days. They linger, worsen, and begin to interfere with everyday life. This condition is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and it affects thousands across Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood, Lenexa, and surrounding suburbs.

Lance Stevenson, DC

6/15/20252 min read

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a condition where concussion symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. It’s most commonly seen in patients who’ve been involved in auto accidents, contact sports, or falls.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Persistent headaches

  • Dizziness or poor balance

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Sensitivity to light or noise

  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things

  • Fatigue, irritability, or anxiety

  • Feeling “off” or mentally foggy

These symptoms can vary depending on which brain and body systems were affected during the injury—and that’s where my approach stands out.

How I Identify Which System Was Affected

Post-concussion syndrome is complex because different systems in the brain can be injured. That’s why my assessment process is so detailed. When you visit my office, we perform a multi-system concussion exam, including:

1. Vestibular System Testing

I assess your inner ear and brainstem function, which control balance and spatial orientation. Symptoms of vestibular dysfunction include dizziness, disorientation, and motion sensitivity.

2. Ocular Motor Testing

Your eye movements say a lot about brain health. I test saccades (quick eye shifts), pursuits (smooth tracking), and convergence (eye teaming) to identify issues that impact reading, coordination, and reaction time.

3. Cervical Spine Evaluation

The neck plays a major role in brain-body communication. After a car accident, whiplash can cause muscle tension, joint dysfunction, and nerve irritation, all of which mimic or worsen concussion symptoms.

4. Cognitive & Reaction Testing

I test processing speed, memory recall, and reflex timing using simple but powerful tools to find cognitive slowdowns. These deficits are often missed in general medical exams.

5. Autonomic Nervous System Screening

PCS can also disrupt your autonomic system, which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response. Clues include dizziness when standing, chronic fatigue, and trouble regulating emotions.

How I Rehabilitate Each System

Once I know which system (or systems) are impaired, I create a personalized recovery plan that uses advanced chiropractic neurology techniques to rebuild function and restore balance.

Vestibular Rehab

I use head-eye coordination drills, balance exercises, and graded exposure to motion to recalibrate your inner ear and improve your sense of stability.

Oculomotor Rehab

You’ll perform targeted exercises to improve eye tracking, focus, and coordination. This helps with reading, screen time, and driving safety.

Cervical Spine Treatment

Precise, gentle chiropractic adjustments reduce nerve interference and improve posture, muscle tone, and blood flow to the brain. This relieves many of the “foggy head” and tension symptoms.

Cognitive-Motor Training

We integrate reaction drills and dual-task exercises to rebuild brain speed and multitasking capacity. This helps restore normal function for work, school, and daily life.

Autonomic Regulation Techniques

Using breathing strategies, postural control, and light physical activity, we retrain your brain’s stress and energy systems to function more efficiently.

Why You Should Trust Lance Stevenson, DC

As one of the top personal injury chiropractors in Kansas City, I take pride in offering comprehensive, science-based post-concussion care. My background in neurological rehab allows me to go far beyond the typical “rest and wait” approach used in many clinics.

I offer:

✅ In-depth concussion testing
✅ Personalized rehab for each brain system
✅ Gentle, effective chiropractic care
✅ Support with auto insurance and legal referrals
✅ A proven track record with car accident victims in Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Leawood, and beyond

Call Today—Let’s Start Your Recovery

If you or someone you know has lingering symptoms after a concussion or car accident, don’t wait. Post-concussion syndrome can get worse if left untreated, but with expert care, it’s entirely treatable.

📞 Call Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC now to schedule a FREE consultation
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