Dizziness After a Concussion: Causes and Treatment

March 20, 2026

Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms people experience after a concussion—and one of the most frustrating.

Many people expect headaches after a head injury, but they’re often surprised when they feel off balance, lightheaded, or even like the room is spinning.

In this article, we’ll explain why dizziness happens after a concussion, what might be causing it, and how physical therapy can help.

This is the second blog post in our series about Concussion Rehab Therapy.

👉 If you haven’t read the first post yet, you can find it here: What is a Concussion? A Physical Therapist Explains

What Does Dizziness After a Concussion Feel Like?

“Dizziness” can mean different things to different people. After a concussion, it may feel like:

• A sense of spinning (vertigo)

• Feeling off balance or unsteady

• Lightheadedness or fogginess

• Motion sensitivity (feeling worse with movement)

• Difficulty focusing your eyes

Understanding the type of dizziness you’re experiencing is important, because different causes require different treatments.

What Causes Dizziness After a Concussion?

There isn’t just one cause of dizziness after a concussion. In fact, several systems in the body may be involved.

1. Vestibular System Dysfunction (Inner Ear)

The vestibular system in your inner ear helps control balance and spatial awareness.

After a concussion, this system may not function properly, leading to:

• Dizziness

• Motion sensitivity

• Difficulty with head movements

This is one of the most common causes of post-concussion dizziness.

2. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

A concussion can sometimes trigger a condition called BPPV, where small crystals in the inner ear become displaced.

This typically causes:

• Brief episodes of spinning

• Dizziness when lying down, rolling in bed, or looking up

• Symptoms that last seconds, not hours

👉 We’ll cover this in more detail in our article: Concussion Dizziness vs BPPV: How to Tell the Difference (link coming soon!)

3. Vision and Eye Movement Problems

After a concussion, the eyes and brain may have trouble working together.

This can cause:

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty focusing

• Dizziness when reading or using screens

4. Neck (Cervical Spine) Issues

Many people with concussions also have neck injuries, even if they don’t realize it.

Neck problems can contribute to:

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• A feeling of being “off” or unsteady

👉 Learn more in our article: Concussion vs. Whiplash: What’s the Difference? (link coming soon!)

5. Brain Processing Changes

A concussion temporarily affects how the brain processes information from the body.

When the brain has trouble integrating signals from the:

• Inner ear

• Eyes

• Muscles and joints

…it can result in dizziness and balance problems.

When Should You Be Concerned About Dizziness?

It’s common to feel dizzy in the first few days after a concussion, but you should consider seeking treatment if:

• Dizziness lasts more than 1–2 weeks

• Symptoms are not improving

• You feel unsteady or at risk of falling

• Dizziness is triggered by movement or position changes

• Symptoms interfere with work, driving, or daily activities

Early treatment can often speed up recovery significantly.

How Physical Therapy Helps Treat Dizziness After a Concussion

Many people don’t realize that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for post-concussion dizziness.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we evaluate the specific cause of your dizziness and create a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment may include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness

• Gradual exposure to movement to decrease sensitivity

BPPV Treatment

• Specific repositioning maneuvers (if BPPV is present)

• Often provides rapid relief

Eye Movement Exercises

• Improve coordination between the eyes and brain

• Reduce dizziness with reading and screen use

Balance Training

• Improve stability and confidence with movement

Neck Treatment

• Hands-on therapy to address stiffness, tension, and dysfunction in the cervical spine

You can learn more about our approach here: Concussion Rehab at Gordon Physical Therapy

Can Dizziness After a Concussion Go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes it can—but not always.

If dizziness is caused by:

• BPPV → it usually requires treatment

• Vestibular dysfunction → improves faster with rehab

• Neck issues → often persist without treatment

Waiting too long can lead to prolonged symptoms or compensation patterns that make recovery more difficult.

Concussion Rehab Series

This article is part of our Concussion Rehab Series, where we break down common symptoms and treatments.

Here’s a link to the first post in this series:
What Is a Concussion? A Physical Therapist Explains

Up next:

• Post #3 – Headaches After a Concussion: When to Seek Treatment

• Post #4 – Concussion vs. Whiplash: What’s the Difference?

• Post #5 – Concussion Dizziness vs BPPV

Schedule a Concussion Evaluation

If you’re experiencing dizziness after a concussion, you don’t have to just wait it out.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating dizziness, balance problems, and other concussion-related symptoms.

Call our clinic today to schedule a concussion evaluation and start your recovery!

FAQ Section

Is dizziness normal after a concussion?

Yes, dizziness is one of the most common symptoms after a concussion. It may be caused by inner ear issues, vision problems, or neck dysfunction.

How long does dizziness last after a concussion?

Some people recover within a few days, while others experience dizziness for weeks or longer. Persistent dizziness often improves with physical therapy.

Can a concussion cause vertigo?

Yes. Some people develop vertigo after a concussion, especially if they also have BPPV or vestibular dysfunction.

What is the best treatment for dizziness after a concussion?

The best treatment depends on the cause but may include vestibular therapy, balance training, BPPV treatment, and neck rehabilitation.

Should I rest or stay active if I feel dizzy after a concussion?

Short rest is important early on, but prolonged inactivity can delay recovery. A guided, gradual return to activity is typically recommended.

Call us today to start your recovery!