Understanding Post-Concussion Nausea: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment
Experiencing nausea after a concussion can be unsettling. Post-concussion nausea, often accompanied by dizziness, is a common symptom that can leave you feeling weak and off-balance. In this post, we'll explore what causes nausea after a concussion, how long it typically lasts, and the best ways to manage this uncomfortable symptom.
Why Do Concussions Cause Nausea and Vomiting?
When the brain sustains a concussion, its normal function is disrupted. This can affect various areas, including the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When the vestibular system is disturbed, it often leads to symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Why do concussions cause nausea and vomiting? The brain's confusion over balance signals can send mixed messages to the body, triggering nausea or even vomiting.
Learn more about post concussion vertigo
Is Nausea a Common Symptom of a Concussion?
Yes, nausea is a common symptom following a concussion. Alongside headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties, nausea is often reported in the early stages after a head injury. While not every concussion results in nausea, it is frequently linked to the degree of vestibular disturbance or dizziness that the injury causes. If you’re asking, is nausea a common symptom of a concussion?—the answer is yes, and it can vary in severity from person to person.
Try these post concussion management strategies
What Causes Nausea After a Concussion?
Post-concussion nausea is often related to vestibular dysfunction, where the brain has difficulty processing signals related to movement and balance. Other factors that may trigger nausea include changes in blood pressure regulation, migraines, or visual disturbances. Understanding what causes nausea after a concussion can help in addressing it with targeted treatments, such as vestibular therapy or medication to control motion sickness.
If you are experiencing nausea following a concussion it is essential to determine and treat the CAUSE of your nausea. Visit us in-person in Park City, UT or try our online comprehensive concussion treatment plan The Concussion Solution Master Program.
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How Long Does Nausea Last After a Concussion?
How long does nausea last after a concussion? Nausea typically subsides within a few days to a week, though some individuals may experience it for longer. The duration of nausea depends on how much the autonomic nervous system and vestibular systems were affected. For many, nausea will improve with time. Fortunately, with proper concussion treatment your brain can heal and restore optimal blood flow which will result in feeling better. Learn about post-concussion dysautonomia
Need Help Managing Post-Concussion Symptoms? We’re Here for You!
At Happy Brain Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges of post-concussion recovery. Our Concussion Solution: Master Program offers online comprehensive care to help you heal from one or multiple concussions.
Post-Concussion Nausea and Dizziness: What to Do
If you experience post-concussion nausea and dizziness, it’s important to take care of your body and avoid triggering activities. Here are some tips for immediate relief:
Rest: Give your brain time to heal by limiting physical activity and reducing (but not completely avoiding) screen time.
Hydration: Drink lots of water and add electrolytes to your water. Staying hydrated can reduce feelings of dizziness and nausea.
Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy known to alleviate nausea.
If you have severe vomiting, please seek medical guidance.
Treatment for Nausea After a Concussion
If you get increased nausea or severe dizziness when lying down, rolling over in bed, looking up or looking down, you may have BPPV - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. While BPPV feels extremely uncomfortable, rest assured that it is not life threatening.
Why does BPPV make you feel nauseous after a concussion?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo, typically triggered by changes in head position. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting the normal flow of fluid. This leads to incorrect signals being sent to the brain about your body's position, causing a spinning sensation. Though uncomfortable, BPPV is not life-threatening and can often be treated effectively with specific maneuvers to reposition the crystals.
Positional vertigo can be treated by a vestibular physical therapist who can teach you techniques to move the crystals (otoconia) out of the inner ear.
Can a Head Injury Cause Vertigo? Yes! Learn more
You can treat your positional vertigo TODAY with The Concussion Solution: Master Program. This online concussion treatment program walks you through understanding concussion and provides treatment to get you feeling better today.
Or book online for vertigo treatment in Park City, UT
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can also help in cases where dizziness and nausea are linked to balance issues. This therapy aims to retrain the brain to process balance signals correctly, reducing dizziness and nausea over time.
If you're struggling with post-concussion nausea, we can help! Reach out to Happy Brain Physical Therapy for expert guidance and personalized care to get you on the path to recovery.
Tips for Managing Post-Concussion Nausea at Home
Here are some simple tips for managing post-concussion nausea at home:
Stay hydrated: Sip water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
If certain smells trigger your nausea: try sniffing peppermint oil
Find a local specialist who can diagnose and treat functional vision and vestibular problems. It’s important to seek a provider who can treat these areas together. Treating them separately may delay recover times.
Post-Concussion Nausea and When to See a Doctor
While mild nausea is usually not a cause for alarm, certain warning signs may require medical attention. You should see a doctor if:
Nausea persists for more than a week.
You experience severe vomiting or dehydration.
You develop new or worsening symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or trouble walking.
Understanding post-concussion nausea and when to see a doctor is key to ensuring that symptoms don’t lead to more serious complications.
Can Concussion-Related Nausea Lead to Other Complications?
While nausea itself may not be dangerous, persistent concussion-related nausea can contribute to dehydration or malnutrition if it prevents you from eating or drinking properly. This can further delay your recovery and weaken your overall health. In severe cases, chronic nausea may interfere with your ability to rest and recover, leading to prolonged concussion symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Post-concussion nausea can be challenging, but understanding what causes nausea after a concussion and how to manage it can help you feel more in control of your recovery. If you find yourself dealing with post-concussion nausea and dizziness, rest, hydration, and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
If you or a loved one is experiencing post-concussion symptoms, Happy Brain Physical Therapy offers expert care to guide you through recovery. Check out our Concussion Solution: Master Program for an online treatment option that addresses everything from nausea to cognitive issues.
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Further Reading:
What Does a Concussion Headache Feel Like? And How to Get Rid of Them
Traumatic Brain Injury Vision Problems: Common Symptoms and How TBI Vision Problems Are Treated
