Concussion Rehabilitation in San Diego
Safe recovery for your brain. Heal your brain and restore your life with post-concussion neurological rehab and gentle chiropractic care.
Recovering from a Concussion?
A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can leave you with persistent symptoms: headaches, dizziness, balance problems, memory issues, fatigue, and anxiety, even long after the initial injury. Post-concussion syndrome can significantly affect your daily life.
An estimated 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States every year, and up to 30% of patients develop symptoms that persist beyond the normal recovery window. Many are told to "just rest" or that "time will heal it"—but for those with post-concussion syndrome, passive rest is not enough. The brain needs active, targeted rehabilitation to fully recover.
If you're in San Diego dealing with concussion after-effects, our clinic is here to help you recover fully and safely. We understand the complexity of brain injuries and will guide you through every step.
Common Post-Concussion Symptoms
If you're experiencing any of these after a head injury, our rehabilitation program can help.
- Persistent headaches that won't go away
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- Memory issues or forgetfulness
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
Understanding What Happens to Your Brain
Why concussion symptoms persist and what's happening at the neurological level
The Neurometabolic Cascade
A concussion triggers a complex series of neurochemical changes called the neurometabolic cascade. Upon impact, brain cells stretch and shear, causing an immediate release of excitatory neurotransmitters (primarily glutamate). This triggers a massive influx of calcium ions into neurons, disrupting normal cell function and energy metabolism.
The brain responds by increasing glucose metabolism to restore ionic balance, but blood flow paradoxically decreases—creating an energy crisis. The brain is demanding more fuel while receiving less. This mismatch explains why concussed individuals feel exhausted and why cognitive tasks become so draining.
This metabolic disruption typically resolves within 7-10 days in most concussions. However, when it doesn't fully resolve—or when secondary effects on brain networks persist—symptoms become chronic. This is where functional neurology rehabilitation becomes essential.
The Five Concussion Subtypes
Not all concussions are the same. Research has identified distinct clinical profiles, each requiring different treatment approaches:
1. Vestibular
Dizziness, balance problems, motion sensitivity. Involves the inner ear and brainstem vestibular processing centers.
2. Ocular/Visual
Eye tracking problems, difficulty reading, visual motion sensitivity, light sensitivity. Involves oculomotor neural pathways.
3. Cervicogenic
Neck pain, headaches originating from the neck, dizziness from cervical dysfunction. Common in whiplash-associated concussions.
4. Cognitive/Fatigue
Brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mental exhaustion. Involves frontal and temporal lobe processing.
5. Autonomic/Anxiety
Heart rate dysregulation, exercise intolerance, anxiety, panic-like symptoms. Involves disruption of the autonomic nervous system, sometimes leading to post-concussion POTS.
Most patients present with a combination of subtypes. Our comprehensive evaluation identifies exactly which systems are affected so we can tailor your rehabilitation accordingly.
Why "Just Resting" Isn't Enough
For decades, the standard concussion advice was complete rest until symptoms resolved. We now know this approach can actually prolong recovery. A landmark 2015 study in Pediatrics showed that strict rest beyond 1-2 days was associated with slower recovery and more persistent symptoms compared to gradual return to activity.
The brain heals through use—through neuroplasticity. Just as a broken leg needs structured physical therapy (not just bed rest), a concussed brain needs structured neurological rehabilitation. The key is providing the right type and intensity of stimulation at the right time, progressively challenging the injured neural pathways without overwhelming them. This is precisely what our functional neurology program delivers.
Our Concussion Evaluation Process
A thorough assessment to identify exactly which brain systems need rehabilitation
Detailed History & Mechanism of Injury
We review the circumstances of your injury, your symptom timeline, what makes symptoms better or worse, and any prior concussion history. Multiple concussions have cumulative effects on the brain, and understanding your full history is essential for proper treatment planning.
Cranial Nerve & Brainstem Examination
Systematic testing of all 12 cranial nerves reveals which brainstem circuits were affected. We assess pupillary responses, facial sensation, hearing, swallowing, and other functions that are often subtly impaired after concussion but missed in standard exams.
Oculomotor & Visual Processing Assessment
We test smooth pursuits, saccades, convergence, accommodation, optokinetic responses, and dynamic visual acuity. These tests reveal dysfunction in the frontal eye fields, cerebellar vermis, and brainstem pathways that control eye movements—the systems most commonly affected by concussion.
Vestibular Function Testing
Head impulse testing, Dix-Hallpike maneuver, dynamic visual acuity, and subjective visual vertical assessments determine the integrity of your peripheral and central vestibular pathways. Post-concussion vestibular dysfunction is present in over 60% of patients.
Cognitive & Autonomic Screening
Attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive function are assessed alongside heart rate variability and orthostatic vital signs. This identifies the cognitive and autonomic subtypes that determine your complete rehabilitation plan.
Our Post-Concussion Rehabilitation Program
Our Neurology Center specializes in functional neurology rehabilitation, an advanced, drug-free approach to healing the brain after injury.
Comprehensive Neuro Evaluation
Detailed tests of balance, coordination, eye movements, cognitive function, and spine/neck alignment to identify which brain areas were affected.
Vestibular & Balance Therapy
Targeted exercises to retrain your inner ear and balance centers, so you can stand and move confidently again.
Vision Therapy
Exercises to improve eye tracking and coordination with the brain, addressing post-concussion vision changes.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Mental exercises and therapies to improve memory, concentration, and processing speed affected by the concussion.
Chiropractic Care
Gentle adjustments (especially upper neck) relieve tension and improve nervous system communication, reducing headaches.
Autonomic Nervous System Support
Techniques like breathing exercises or vagus nerve stimulation to normalize your autonomic nervous system.
This individualized program helps your brain rewire and heal (thanks to neuroplasticity) so that symptoms steadily improve.
Recovery Exercises You Can Start Today
Evidence-based exercises to support your brain's healing between clinic visits. Always consult your doctor first.
Sub-Symptom Threshold Walking
Light aerobic exercise has been shown to accelerate concussion recovery by increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting neuroplasticity.
- Start with a 10-15 minute walk at a comfortable, easy pace
- Monitor your symptoms during and after—rate them on a 0-10 scale
- If symptoms increase by more than 2 points, slow down or stop
- Gradually increase duration by 5 minutes every 2-3 days as tolerated
- The goal is consistent, sub-symptom threshold activity—not pushing through pain
Smooth Pursuit Eye Exercise
Oculomotor exercises retrain the neural pathways controlling eye movements, which are commonly disrupted after concussion.
- Hold a pen or your finger at arm's length, directly in front of your nose
- Slowly move the target in a large "H" pattern: left, right, up-left, down-right, up-right, down-left
- Follow the target with your eyes only—keep your head still
- Move slowly enough that you can keep the target in sharp focus throughout
- Perform 5 repetitions of the full "H" pattern, 2-3 times daily
Diaphragmatic Breathing for Autonomic Recovery
Concussions often dysregulate the autonomic nervous system. This breathing technique activates the vagus nerve and promotes parasympathetic recovery.
- Lie on your back with one hand on your chest and one on your belly
- Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds—your belly should rise, chest stays still
- Exhale slowly through pursed lips for 6-8 seconds
- Focus on making the exhale longer than the inhale
- Practice for 5 minutes, 2-3 times daily, especially before sleep
Important: If any exercise significantly worsens your symptoms, stop and contact us. Post-concussion rehabilitation should always be guided by a qualified provider who can monitor your progress and adjust your program accordingly.
What You Can Expect
Patients in our concussion program typically report these improvements
- Fewer headaches and clearer thinking
- Improved balance and coordination
- Better sleep quality
- Return of energy and improved mood
- Ability to return to work, school, and activities
Every case is unique, but our goal is to get you back to school, work, sports, and daily life without the fog of post-concussion symptoms.
Trust the Experts
Our clinic is led by doctors who specialize in brain injury recovery. We're known in San Diego for addressing post-concussion syndrome and other neurological issues with great success.
Functional Neurology Trained
All doctors trained in neurologic rehab
30+ Years Combined
Experience in neuro rehab
Safe Recovery
Evidence-based protocols
Collaborative Care
Works with your other providers
After my concussion, I had horrible dizziness and couldn't concentrate for months. The team here created a rehab plan just for me. Within a few weeks I noticed big improvements. Now I'm back at work full-time and feel like myself again. I can't thank them enough!
Dylan R.
TBI/Concussion Patient, La Jolla
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about concussions, post-concussion syndrome, and brain injury rehabilitation.
Treatments That May Help
Get Your Life Back
Don't let a concussion sideline you longer than it has to. The sooner you start proper rehab, the better your recovery can be. Take the next step toward feeling yourself again.
Schedule a concussion evaluation with our specialists, or call (619) 344-0111
More questions? Visit our FAQs page