What Happens to the Brain During a Concussion? Understanding the Neurometabolic Cascade

What Happens to the Brain During a Concussion? Understanding the Neurometabolic Cascade

A Concussion Isn’t Just a Bump on the Head

Many people think of concussions as a temporary, minor injury. But what happens inside the brain tells a much deeper story. The moment your head experiences trauma—even without loss of consciousness—a neurometabolic cascade is triggered. This chain reaction changes the way your brain cells function, communicate, and heal.

At our Kansas City concussion clinic, we help patients understand this cascade so they know why they feel the way they do—and what we can do to help.

What Is the Neurometabolic Cascade?

The neurometabolic cascade is the series of biochemical and cellular events that occur after a concussion. It disrupts how your brain uses energy, handles stress, and communicates between neurons.

Here’s how it works:

1. Stretching of Brain Cells
   The trauma stretches and distorts neurons and axons, disrupting how they fire.

2. Ionic Imbalance
   Potassium floods out of neurons while calcium rushes in. This disturbs the cell’s electrical balance.

3. Glutamate Release
   A surge of glutamate, a chemical messenger, over activates nearby neurons and increases energy demands.

4. ATP Depletion (Brain Energy Crisis)
   The brain burns through its stored fuel (ATP) trying to recover.

   • Mild concussions can reduce ATP by 20%

   • Severe TBIs can drop ATP by 50% or more

   • Back-to-back concussions within a short time can stack the ATP deficit, increasing risk of long-term damage

5. Blood Flow Mismatch
   Just when your brain needs more blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients, it gets less. This mismatch prolongs recovery.

6. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
   The brain’s “power plants” (mitochondria) are damaged, reducing energy production and increasing oxidative stress.

7. Inflammatory Response
   The blood-brain barrier becomes leaky, and the immune system triggers neuroinflammation that can persist for weeks or months.

Why This Matters for Your Recovery

This process explains why concussion symptoms don’t always show up right away—and why they can linger or worsen over time.

Common symptoms linked to the neurometabolic cascade:

• Brain fog and slow thinking

• Headaches and dizziness

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance

• Mood swings and anxiety

• Light/sound sensitivity

Your brain isn’t just bruised—it’s exhausted, inflamed, and struggling to regulate itself.

How We Help at Our Kansas City Clinic

Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC specializes in treating post-concussion energy and inflammation issues. Our focus is to support the brain at the cellular level so it can recover efficiently.

🧠 What We Do:

• Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT): Increases oxygen delivery and supports mitochondrial recovery

• Supplements may be recommended like Omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and magnesium: To reduce oxidative stress and support ATP production

• Dietary advice to support brain metabolism and stabilize blood sugar

• Nervous system rehab to reintegrate brain-body signaling

• Pacing and activity plans that avoid re-injury and support energy rebuilding

Why You Shouldn’t “Just Rest”

Prolonged rest actually slows healing. Controlled, supervised movement and oxygen therapy help restore balance and improve brain metabolism. We help patients in Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City, and all across Kansas City get moving again with purpose and safety.

Don’t Guess—Get Checked

Even “mild” concussions can disrupt your brain's energy systems for weeks. If you still feel off, it’s likely because your brain is still in recovery mode.

📞 Call Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC at 816-226-7476
Schedule a free consultation and let us help restore your brain’s energy and clarity.

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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