Concussion & Vestibular Rehab: Restoring Balance and Focus

The brain relies on a delicate balance between three systems to keep you upright and focused: your Vestibular system (inner ear), your Visual system (eyes), and your Proprioceptive system (neck and joints).

Whether you’ve suffered a direct blow to the head (Concussion) or are experiencing a sudden spinning sensation (Vertigo), the communication between these systems has been disrupted. Rehabilitation is not about "resting in a dark room"—modern research shows that targeted, active rehabilitation is the fastest way to retrain the brain to process balance signals correctly.

• Vertigo: A distinct "spinning" sensation often triggered by rolling over in bed or looking up.

• Visual Fatigue: Difficulty focusing on screens, reading, or being in busy environments like grocery stores.

• Brain Fog & Irritability: Feeling "slow" or easily overwhelmed by noise and light following a head injury.

• Imbalance: A feeling of being "unsteady on your feet" or drifting to one side while walking.

• Persistent Headaches: Tension-type headaches that worsen with cognitive tasks or eye movement.

When dealing with dizziness or head trauma, we screen for serious neurological involvement. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• The 5 D's: Dizziness (constant), Diplopia (double vision), Dysarthria (difficulty speaking), Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or Drop Attacks (sudden falling).

• The 3 N's: Nausea (persistent), Numbness (in the face or limbs), or Nystagmus (uncontrolled rhythmic eye movements).

• Loss of Consciousness: Any blackout period following a head impact.

We use a multi-faceted approach to rebuild your neurological resilience:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: Specific head and eye maneuvers (like the Epley Maneuver) to reposition "crystals" in the inner ear that cause BPPV (spinning vertigo).

• Visual-Ocular Exercises: Retraining your eyes to track and focus without triggering a headache or dizziness.

• Cervical Integration (IMS): Many concussion patients have a secondary neck injury. We use IMS to release the suboccipital muscles that contribute to "cervicogenic dizziness."

• Graduated Exertion: A safe, heart-rate-monitored protocol to get you back to school, work, or sports without a relapse of symptoms.

• Manual Physiotherapy: Gentle joint mobilizations to restore the natural "glide" of the cervical vertebrae and reduce mechanical stiffness.

• The Relief Position (Visual Rest): Use a "palming" technique—cup your hands over your eyes for 2 minutes to block all light and allow the visual system to reset.

• The Mobility Drill (Gaze Stability): While sitting, focus on a single letter on a card held at arm's length. Slowly move your head side-to-side while keeping the letter perfectly in focus.

• The Stability Focus (Controlled Weight Shifting): Stand at a kitchen counter with your hands hovering just above the surface for safety. Slowly shift your weight from your left foot to your right foot, then from your heels to your toes. Focus on feeling the pressure change in your feet while keeping your eyes open and fixed on a steady point.

Please Note: The movements above are generic starting points intended for education. To ensure your recovery is safe and efficient, your physiotherapist will create a customized physiotherapy program based on your specific assessment findings. We will guide your progression, adjusting the intensity and "dosage" of your exercises as your mobility and strength improve.