Post-Concussion Dizziness: Why You Still Feel “Off” Weeks Later

So your concussion was weeks ago—maybe even months—but something still isn’t right. You’ve been cleared for activity, the headaches might be better, and everyone keeps saying you “look fine.”

But inside? You still feel off.

Maybe you’re dizzy. Maybe grocery stores feel overwhelming. Maybe your balance is shaky. Maybe your body just doesn’t feel like your own.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, there’s a reason.

Why Am I Still Dizzy Weeks After a Concussion?

While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, up to 30% experience lingering symptoms¹ well beyond that window. One of the most common and most frustrating? Dizziness.

Post-concussion dizziness can stem from a number of sources, but three major players tend to show up again and again:

1. Vestibular dysfunction

2. Visual system disruption

3. Neck (cervicogenic) involvement

   
   

Let’s break those down.

1. Vestibular Dysfunction: Your Inner Balance System (Your Inner GPS)

The vestibular system is your body’s internal balance center, made up of tiny structures in your inner ear and their connections to your brain. After a concussion, this system can be disrupted—leading to symptoms like:

• Feeling off-balance or unsteady

• Motion sensitivity (cars, crowds, screens)

• Vertigo or “spinning” sensations

• Brain fog and fatigue after movement

  
  

Vestibular dysfunction doesn’t always show up right away, and it often doesn’t resolve on its own without targeted therapy.

2. Visual Disturbance: When Your Eyes and Brain Don’t Agree

We don’t just see with our eyes—we interpret, track, and coordinate movement. After a concussion, your brain’s ability to process visual information can be affected, causing:

• Blurry or double vision

• Trouble focusing while reading or scrolling

• Eye strain or headaches

• Difficulty with depth perception

  
  

This creates a mismatch between what your eyes and body are telling your brain—fueling that dizzy, disoriented feeling.

3. Neck-Related Dizziness (Cervicogenic Dizziness)

Your neck plays a huge role in spatial awareness. If you suffered whiplash, a fall, or a blow to the head, your cervical spine and surrounding muscles might still be irritated—sending confusing signals to your brain about where your head is in space.

This is called cervicogenic dizziness, and it can linger long after other symptoms resolve. Often, it overlaps with vestibular and visual issues, creating a triple-whammy effect that leaves you feeling stuck.

So… What Can You Do About It?

You don’t have to “wait it out” or push through lingering symptoms. At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, we specialize in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation, designed to get to the root of your symptoms and help your brain recalibrate.

At SparqPT, our concussion rehab process includes:

• A deep dive into your vestibular and visual systems

• Assessment of neck function and movement

• Individualized exercises to retrain your brain

• Progress tracking so we can adjust as you improve

We understand that lingering symptoms can feel invisible to others, but we see you. And we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

When Should You Reach Out for Post-Concussion Dizziness?

If you’re still experiencing dizziness, imbalance, or mental fatigue after a concussion—especially if it's been more than 10–14 days—it’s worth getting evaluated. The earlier we start, the faster you can get back to clear-headed, confident movement.

If it’s been more than 10–14 days since your concussion and you’re still experiencing:

• Dizziness or balance issues

• Difficulty concentrating or visual fatigue

• Motion sensitivity in busy environments

…it’s time to seek help. Early intervention leads to faster, more complete recovery.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

Recovery after a concussion isn’t always straightforward—especially when symptoms like dizziness linger longer than expected. But persistent symptoms don’t mean you’re making it up, and they don’t mean you’re stuck this way forever.

At SparqPT, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to concussion rehabilitation. If you’re still feeling “off,” we’re here to help uncover the why—and guide you through the how of getting better.

If you’re in the Castle Rock area and ready for answers, let’s talk. Schedule an evaluation today and take the first step toward feeling steady, clear, and confident again.