Have you ever experienced vertigo? Patients who pursue vertigo relief in Oklahoma City OK describe feeling like the world was spinning out of control. It’s like the ground beneath you was unsteady and uncertain. Is that a familiar scene to you? Do you struggle to walk in a straight line, maintain your balance and stay upright? Do you feel shaky on your knees and feel like you’ll fall any minute when you stand for a long time? Vertigo affects many people, and some stem from concussions.

Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to concussions. When you suffer from this, you may experience dizziness, disorientation, and a constant feeling of being off-balance. But why does this happen? What is the link between concussions and vertigo? And how can you cope better? In some cases, vertigo and balance issues from concussions go away on their own, but sometimes they linger longer than usual and will require professional help before it gets worse.

Why Vertigo Happens After Concussion

While vertigo can be caused by many factors, such as ear issues, many patients seeking vertigo relief share that their concussion led to the onset of dizzy spells. Concussions are types of brain injury that happen when your brain is shaken inside the skull. This can lead to a host of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion.

A concussion can impact and damage your inner ear’s vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This can cause debris or canaliths to move around in the inner ear, signaling to the brain that the body is moving even when not. The disruption to the vestibular system and inflammation can also affect the brain’s ability to process sensory information, leading to vertigo and balance issues.

But not everyone with a concussion will develop lasting vertigo or balance problems. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary depending on the individual, the nature of the injury, and other factors.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo or balance problems following a concussion, seeking proper care for vertigo relief in Oklahoma may be necessary to thoroughly determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate course of care.

What can you do?

Slow down

Following a concussion, it’s best to take things slow. For example, to avoid dizziness, take your time when getting out of bed or turning your head, and if you feel dizzy, sit on the bed and move your legs before standing or walking.

Stay active

While lying down and staying put is tempting, it’s still important to engage in movement. Avoiding physical activity can increase the risk of falls and lead to inactivity, depression, and anxiety. Walking, muscle strengthening, and balancing exercises can help, and it’s essential to go at your own pace and have support available if needed. Remember to take things slow and not rush.

Seek Upper Cervical Care for vertigo relief in Oklahoma City OK

Accidents and injuries that cause a concussion can also cause upper cervical misalignment, contributing to vertigo symptoms. When your atlas and axis vertebrae are misaligned, they can interfere with the proper function of the nervous system, which can cause a range of symptoms, including vertigo and balance problems.

Correcting this through Upper Cervical Care can provide lasting relief for post-concussion vertigo. Upper Cervical Chiropractors focus on caring for the uppermost vertebrae in your neck, the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae.

If you notice your vertigo symptoms lasting longer and becoming more frequent, checking your upper cervical alignment may be necessary. Once a misalignment is confirmed, you will be presented with gentle and specific adjustments to the upper cervical spine. This can help restore proper nervous system function and improve the body’s healing ability. It can also help reduce inflammation in the inner ear and promote proper blood flow to the brain, further supporting the healing process.

If you are experiencing vertigo or balance problems following a concussion, you can book an appointment to visit our office. We will do our best to help you manage your vertigo and balance issues.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheppard, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-378-3100. You can also click the button below.