impact between brain and spine
Concussion: Understanding the Hidden Impact on the Brain and Spine 🧠
Concussions are often called “invisible injuries” — you can’t see them on a standard X-ray, yet they can cause lasting effects on how we think, move, and feel. Far from being just a “bump on the head,” concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) that can disrupt the delicate relationship between the brain and spine.
It is imporant to understand how common concussions are, how they affect both brain and spinal function, what parts of the brain are most often impacted, the telltale symptoms, and why a brain-based diagnostic and treatment model is essential for recovery.
Prevalence: More Common Than You Think 📊
Concussions are a global health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the U.S. alone, there are 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions annually — and that’s likely an undercount. Many go unreported, especially in youth sports, due to lack of awareness or fear of being sidelined.
High-risk groups include:
- Athletes (especially in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer)
- Older adults (due to falls)
- Motor vehicle accident survivors
- Military personnel exposed to blasts or combat injuries
How a Concussion Affects the Brain and Spine 🧩
A concussion occurs when the brain experiences a rapid acceleration and deceleration inside the skull, often from a blow, jolt, or whiplash-like movement.
This can lead to:
- Neuronal stretching and shearing: Tiny nerve fibers can become damaged, impairing communication between brain regions.
- Metabolic dysfunction: Brain cells burn energy faster than they can restore it, creating an “energy crisis.”
- Brainstem and cervical spine stress: The sudden movement can also strain the upper neck (cervical spine), impacting balance, posture, and neural signaling.
In essence, a concussion isn’t just a “brain problem” — it’s a brain-and-spine problem, which is why many symptoms involve coordination, balance, and vision.
What Parts of the Brain Are Most Affected? 🗺️
While every concussion is unique, some regions are more vulnerable:
- Frontal Lobe – Controls decision-making, problem-solving, and attention. Injuries here can cause difficulty focusing and emotional changes.
- Temporal Lobe – Important for memory and language. Concussion damage may lead to forgetfulness or word-finding problems.
- Cerebellum – Manages coordination and balance. Damage may cause dizziness or unsteady movement.
- Brainstem – Regulates essential functions like sleep, alertness, and eye movement. Dysfunction can trigger headaches, fatigue, and vision issues.
- Vestibular System – Works with the inner ear to control balance and spatial orientation. Post-concussion, patients may feel “off balance” or motion-sensitive.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion ⚠️
Concussion symptoms can appear immediately or days later, and they vary from person to person.
Physical Symptoms:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea or vomiting
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Feeling mentally “foggy” or slowed down
- Confusion or disorientation
Emotional and Sleep Symptoms:
- Irritability or mood swings
- Increased anxiety or sadness
- Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
- The Importance of a Brain-Based Model for Diagnosis and Treatment 🩺
Traditional concussion care often focuses on rest and gradual return to activity. While rest is important, it’s not always enough
especially when the injury disrupts multiple systems in the brain and spine.
A brain-based model looks deeper. Instead of only treating symptoms, it evaluates:
- Neurological pathways involved in balance, coordination, and cognition
- Cervical spine function to address neck-related symptoms
- Eye movement and vestibular function to restore proper spatial awareness
- Autonomic nervous system balance to regulate heart rate, breathing, and stress response
Benefits of a brain-based approach:
- More precise diagnosis by identifying which brain regions and systems are affected
- Individualized therapy targeting specific deficits
- Faster and more complete recovery by integrating brain, spine, and body function
Functional neurologists, and other trained providers often use targeted exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, vision therapy, and gentle cervical adjustments to restore optimal brain function.
Final Thoughts
Concussions are complex injuries with wide-reaching effects on the brain and spine. Recognizing their prevalence, understanding which brain regions are most vulnerable, and embracing a comprehensive brain-based diagnostic and treatment approach can make the difference between lingering symptoms and full recovery.
Your brain is your body’s control center — and after a concussion, it deserves precision care, not guesswork. Be the best athele in YOU.
Schedule your comprehensive neurological and chiropractic exam today and start your path toward long-term concussion relief.📅