Why You’re Still Struggling to Think Clearly After a Concussion: It’s Not Just Your Brain

The Brain Works as a Network — Not in Isolation

Cognitive function depends on smooth, integrated input from multiple systems. When those systems are disrupted — as they often are after a concussion — your brain has to work harder just to do basic tasks. That’s what creates the sensation of “mental overload” or fog.

Let’s break down the major systems involved:

🧠 1. Visual System Dysfunction

If your eyes don’t move properly or aren’t coordinating well (oculomotor dysfunction), your brain has to work overtime to process visual information.

Common visual-related causes of cognitive symptoms:

• Poor convergence (can’t focus at near)

• Tracking and scanning problems

• Visual motion sensitivity

• Accommodative dysfunction (can’t switch focus from near to far)

These issues affect reading, screens, driving, and multitasking — all of which load the brain and cause fatigue.

🎯 2. Vestibular System Disruption

The vestibular system helps your brain understand where your body is in space. When this system is off, your brain feels disoriented — which drains cognitive resources.

Vestibular dysfunction leads to:

• Dizziness or unsteadiness

• Motion sensitivity

• Problems in crowds or with fast-moving visuals

• Poor concentration in stimulating environments

When balance is unstable, your brain can’t fully focus.

🦴 3. Cervical Spine Dysfunction

Whiplash and neck trauma often occur alongside concussions, especially in car accidents. Irritated cervical joints and muscles (especially C1–C3) send faulty signals to the brain, which can confuse head position and spatial awareness.

This creates:

• Headaches

• Brain fog

• Difficulty with orientation

• Eye strain and poor visual integration

You can’t think clearly if your head and body signals are mismatched.

🌡️ 4. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Imbalance

Concussions can disrupt autonomic regulation — affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and cerebral blood flow. This is known as dysautonomia, and it directly affects mental performance.

Signs of ANS-related cognitive fatigue:

• Brain fog after standing or walking

• Inability to sustain mental effort

• Sensitivity to light, noise, or stress

• Fatigue after minimal activity

If your body can’t regulate blood flow or oxygen efficiently, your brain won’t perform well.

It’s Not Just One System — It’s the Combination

Each of these systems — visual, vestibular, cervical, and autonomic — feeds information into your brain. When those signals are mismatched, your brain gets overwhelmed and compensates by slowing down.

This is why cognitive rehab alone often isn’t enough for post-concussion patients. You have to treat the root dysfunctions feeding into the brain.

How We Help in Kansas City

At our clinic, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC uses an integrative, evidence-based approach to evaluate:

✅ Cervical spine mobility and joint function
✅ Eye movements and visual processing
✅ Balance and vestibular function
✅ Autonomic signs (HR, BP, fatigue levels)
✅ Dual-task and cognitive-load tolerance

Then, we create a personalized rehab plan that restores system integration — so your brain can finally start working efficiently again.

Still Feeling Foggy Weeks After a Concussion?

You’re not broken — but your systems may still be out of sync. Let’s fix that.

If you're in Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, North KC, or surrounding areas and still dealing with cognitive symptoms, Dr. Lance Stevenson, DC can help you rebuild brain-body integration and recover fully.

Call 816-226-7476 today to schedule your full post-concussion evaluation.

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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