Post-Concussion Autonomic Dysfunction: Why It Happens & How to Recover

Feb 27

If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms after a concussion, you may have noticed that simple activities—standing up, walking, or even concentrating—make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or fatigued. These symptoms could be linked to post-concussion autonomic dysfunction, a condition where the nervous system struggles to regulate basic functions like heart rate and blood pressure.

Autonomic dysfunction, also known as dysautonomia after concussion, is a common but often overlooked issue. Understanding why it happens and how to address it can be key to your recovery.

What Is Autonomic Dysfunction After a Concussion?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary body functions like blood flow, heart rate, digestion, and temperature regulation. After a concussion, this system can become dysregulated, leading to symptoms that worsen with activity or changes in position.

Common symptoms of post-concussion dysautonomia include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up (orthostatic intolerance)
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) with minimal exertion
Fatigue that worsens after physical or mental activity
Exercise intolerance (feeling worse after workouts instead of better)
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to heat or temperature fluctuations

One of the most common conditions related to autonomic dysfunction after a concussion is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), where standing up causes an abnormal heart rate increase.

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Why Does a Concussion Cause Dysautonomia?

Several factors contribute to autonomic dysfunction after a head injury:

1. Disrupted Blood Flow to the Brain

A concussion can impair the brain’s ability to regulate blood flow. When blood doesn’t circulate properly, it can lead to dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue—especially when changing positions.

2. Dysregulated Nervous System Function

The ANS is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest response). A concussion can throw off this balance, keeping the body in a heightened stress state, which leads to increased heart rate and difficulty recovering from exertion.

3. Inflammation and Neurovascular Changes

Brain inflammation after a concussion can impact the small blood vessels that help regulate autonomic function. This can lead to symptoms like poor circulation, temperature regulation issues, and fatigue.

4. Vestibular and Cervical Dysfunction

Many people with post-concussion dysautonomia also experience vestibular dysfunction (inner ear imbalances) and cervical spine issues (neck tension affecting blood flow). These can contribute to dizziness and headaches, compounding the effects of autonomic dysfunction.

How to Recover from Post-Concussion Autonomic Dysfunction

The good news? Post-concussion dysautonomia is treatable. Recovery requires a combination of targeted physical therapy, gradual cardiovascular training, and nervous system regulation strategies.

1. Build Up Exercise Tolerance Gradually

Many people with autonomic dysfunction struggle with exercise-induced concussion symptoms and feel worse after physical activity. However, complete rest isn’t the solution—structured, progressive exercise therapy is key to retraining your autonomic system.

Start with recumbent exercises like cycling or rowing to prevent excessive heart rate spikes.
Use interval training for concussion recovery by alternating short bursts of activity with rest periods.
Monitor heart rate and avoid pushing into symptom exacerbation.

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2. Support Your Nervous System with Breathwork and Hydration

Diaphragmatic breathing can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and better autonomic regulation.
Adequate hydration and electrolyte balance are essential for stabilizing blood pressure and reducing dizziness.

3. Use Oxygen Therapy to Improve Brain Function

LiveO2 oxygen therapy can enhance oxygen delivery to the brain, supporting recovery from neurovascular dysfunction and autonomic imbalances.

4. Address Vestibular and Cervical Issues

Vestibular therapy can help if dizziness is related to inner ear dysfunction.
Manual therapy and postural correction can relieve neck tension and improve blood flow to the brain.

5. Follow a Guided Recovery Program

Autonomic dysfunction can be complex, but the right approach makes all the difference. The Concussion Solution offers evidence-based strategies to help you:

Retrain your nervous system for better autonomic balance
Improve blood flow and reduce dizziness
Gradually rebuild exercise tolerance without worsening symptoms

Discover how The Concussion Solution can help you recover faster.

If you’re struggling with worsening dizziness, heart rate abnormalities, or persistent fatigue after a concussion, it’s important to work with a specialist who understands post-concussion autonomic dysfunction. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from becoming chronic and help you return to normal activities sooner.

Ready to Take Control of Your Recovery?

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. The Concussion Solution provides expert-backed tools to help you regain energy, focus, and mobility.

Start your recovery with The Concussion Solution today.

Autonomic dysfunction after a concussion can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can regain control of your symptoms. By addressing nervous system imbalances, blood flow issues, and exercise intolerance, you can move toward recovery and feel like yourself again.