Still Not Yourself Months After a Concussion? Understanding PCS
You were told the concussion would clear up in a couple of weeks. It has been months. The headaches, the brain fog, the fatigue that rest does not touch, they are all still here, and people have started to assume you are fine because you look fine. You are not imagining it, and it is not in your head. There is a name for this, and there is a reason it can persist.
What post-concussion syndrome is
Most concussions resolve within two to four weeks. When symptoms continue beyond about three months, it is referred to as post-concussion syndrome, or PCS. It is more common than most people are led to expect, and normal imaging does not rule it out. Many people with PCS are told their scans look fine, which can be confusing when they clearly do not feel fine. Common PCS symptoms include persistent headaches or migraines, dizziness and balance issues, brain fog and memory lapses, trouble focusing, fatigue not relieved by rest, sensitivity to light, sound, or screens, sleep disruption, neck pain, and mood changes.
Why symptoms linger, and where the neck comes in
The same force that causes a concussion almost always travels through the neck. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) sit directly below the brainstem. When an impact disturbs their position, it can influence cerebrospinal fluid flow, blood flow to and from the head, autonomic nervous system regulation, and the processing of balance and visual information. Many of those functions overlap exactly with the symptoms that refuse to resolve. This is why many patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms have undetected upper cervical involvement.
The concussion gets the attention. The upper cervical injury often gets missed.
How upper cervical care approaches PCS
Concussion recovery is a core focus of this practice. Upper cervical care may support nervous system regulation in patients recovering from concussion, and patients often report meaningful changes in symptom intensity and frequency. The approach uses objective imaging and structured re-evaluation, so progress is measured. This works alongside the rest of your care team, not instead of them.
Is it worth looking into?
• Concussion symptoms that have lasted longer than expected
• Being told your scans are normal while you still feel unwell
• Headaches, dizziness, or brain fog that have plateaued
Demuth Spinal Care & Concussion Center | Sartell, MN | Page 20
• Neck pain or stiffness alongside the cognitive symptoms
• Recovery that started and then stalled
If you have been stuck, the upper cervical spine is a reasonable and often overlooked place to look for why.
Ready To Find out If Upper Cervical Care Is A Fit For You?
Dr. Amanthi Demuth, Dr. Tiffany England, and the team at Demuth Spinal Care and Concussion Center in Sartell, MN are available for new patient consultations. You can book online in just a few minutes.
Prefer to learn more about upper cervical care first? Click here.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individual medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent headaches, dizziness, neck pain, or symptoms following a concussion or injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results with upper cervical care vary. Demuth Spinal Care and Concussion Center evaluates each patient to determine whether care is appropriate for their specific situation.