Understanding the 6 Subtypes of Concussion Symptoms
Concussions are complex injuries that can affect different systems of the body and brain. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we take a functional neurology approach to identify and address the specific subtypes of symptoms you may be experiencing. Concussions don't affect everyone the same way, but they typically fall into one or more of the following six categories: cognitive, autonomic, oculomotor, vestibular, mood/affective, and cervical.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms relate to how the brain processes information, and affects thinking, memory, and focus. Concussions can disrupt the neural networks responsible for these functions, leading to challenges such as:
Brain fog or difficulty thinking clearly
Trouble concentrating or maintaining focus
Memory problems (short-term or long-term)
Slowed processing speed or difficulty following conversations
How We Assess: We use cognitive testing to evaluate reaction time, processing speed, and memory. These assessments help us pinpoint specific areas of dysfunction and guide targeted interventions.
How We Help: Our clinic uses targeted therapies to enhance frontal lobe function, improve processing speed, and support brain areas involved in memory and focus.
Autonomic Symptoms
The autonomic nervous system controls automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. A concussion can disrupt this system, leading to:
Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing (orthostatic intolerance)
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or irregular heart rate
Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Poor digestion (constipation or diarrhea)
How We Assess: We evaluate heart rate and blood pressure, including positional changes for each, as well as pupillary light response, sweating, sleep, and digestion. This comprehensive assessment helps identify autonomic dysfunction.
How We Help: Through autonomic regulation therapies, we work to restore balance in the autonomic nervous system, addressing these symptoms at their root.
Oculomotor Symptoms
Oculomotor symptoms involve disruptions in eye movement and visual processing. These symptoms are often overlooked but can significantly affect daily activities. Common issues include:
Increased symptoms in busy visual environments like grocery stores
Blurry or double vision
Difficulty focusing on objects or reading
Eye strain or fatigue
Trouble tracking moving objects
How We Assess: We use video-oculography goggles and a full bedside oculomotor exam to evaluate all six types of eye movements and assess for the presence of nystagmus. This detailed analysis helps us identify oculomotor dysfunction.
How We Help: Our therapies focus on improving oculomotor control and retraining the brain’s ability to process visual information efficiently without symptom exacerbation.
Vestibular Symptoms
The vestibular system, which helps regulate balance and spatial orientation, is frequently affected by concussions. Symptoms may include:
Dizziness or vertigo
Balance problems or feeling unsteady
Motion sensitivity (e.g., difficulty in cars or with quick head movements)
Disorientation in busy environments
How We Assess: We use video-oculography goggles to assess for the presence of nystagmus, perform a comprehensive bedside vestibular examination, and use a balance platform to acquire objective data. This platform measures your center of gravity and amount of sway under different conditions, providing a comprehensive picture of vestibular function and balance.
How We Help: We use vestibular rehabilitation techniques to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore your sense of spatial awareness.
Mood/Affective Symptoms
Concussions can impact the brain areas that regulate mood and emotions, leading to affective symptoms that are often overlooked or assumed by other providers to be purely psychological in origin. These symptoms may include:
Increased irritability or anger
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression or feelings of sadness
Emotional sensitivity or difficulty regulating emotions
Emotional outbursts that feel hard to control
How We Assess: We take an extensive health history to understand the underlying factors contributing to mood and affective symptoms. When needed, we refer patients to talk therapy for additional support.
How We Help: By strengthening the neurological structures that are involved in mood and emotional regulation, we help patients regain emotional stability and improve their overall well-being.
Cervical Symptoms
The neck and cervical spine are often involved in concussion injuries due to whiplash and trauma to the entire head and neck region. Common cervical symptoms include:
Neck pain or stiffness
Headaches originating from the neck
Lack of response to manual therapy such as massage, dry needling, or adjustments
Increased dizziness when moving the head
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or shoulders
How We Assess: We assess the cervical spine for range of motion and proper functional movement patterns, as well as identify any problems with the intricate connections between the neck, eyes, and vestibular system.
How We Help: We address cervical symptoms through manual therapies and strengthening exercises as well as vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation techniques to restore proper function to all three interconnected systems.
Why a Targeted Approach Matters
Every concussion is unique, and symptoms often overlap between subtypes. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify the root causes of your symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we combine cutting-edge neurological assessments with personalized therapies to address your specific needs.
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling with lingering concussion symptoms months or even years after a head injury, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Contact Clarity Brain and Body Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get back to feeling like yourself again.