Concussion and Brain Injury Care
in Sartell, MN

A concussion doesn't always look like what people expect.
There's no cast, no visible injury, nothing that shows up on a standard scan most of the time.
But if you've had one, or you're supporting someone who has, you already know how real the symptoms are.

What a Concussion Actually Feels Like

Concussion symptoms show up differently depending on the person, the injury, and how much time has passed. In the first hours or days, people often describe a foggy, disconnected feeling, like their thoughts are moving through static. Headaches are common, along with dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea. Some notice their balance is off in ways that are hard to describe: a step that feels slightly wrong, a sense of unsteadiness even while standing still. For others, the harder symptoms show up later. Trouble concentrating at work or school. Reading a few paragraphs and realizing none of it landed. Irritability or mood changes that feel out of character. Sleep that's either harder to get or doesn't feel restorative. Screen time that used to be relaxing now brings on a headache within minutes. Athletes often notice it first in performance: reaction time that's a beat slower, coordination that feels slightly off, or a return to play that just doesn't feel the same as before the injury. Parents of young athletes frequently describe a child who seems "fine" on the surface but is more tired, more irritable, or more forgetful than usual in the weeks following an impact. Post-concussion syndrome is the term used when these symptoms linger well past the initial injury, sometimes weeks or months, which can be frustrating and confusing when there's no clear explanation for why recovery has stalled.

Why Concussion Symptoms Persist

A concussion is a disruption to how the brain processes information, affecting the delicate signaling between neurons rather than causing structural damage that shows up on standard imaging. This is part of why concussions are often missed or downplayed early on: the brain can look completely normal on a scan while still struggling to function normally. The upper cervical spine plays a bigger role in this picture than most people realize. The brainstem, which coordinates balance, eye movement, and much of the body's automatic regulation, sits directly above the atlas vertebra at the top of the neck. Many concussions involve some degree of whiplash-type force to the neck along with the head impact, and when the atlas is misaligned as a result, it can interfere with the brain-body communication that's already under strain from the original injury. This can contribute to lingering dizziness, balance issues, and the sense of brain fog that so many concussion patients describe. Vision and balance systems also take time to recalibrate after a concussion, since the brain relies on input from the eyes, inner ear, and neck to maintain stable balance and spatial awareness. When any one of these is disrupted, the whole system has to work harder to compensate.

How We Approach Concussion Care at Demuth

Dr. Demuth has pursued ongoing training in traumatic brain injury through the Carrick Institute and authored Game Changer: Secrets to Living Your Best Life After a Concussion. Our approach reflects that specialized focus, and it follows the same structured process as our other care.

Reveal. We start with a detailed history of the injury, current symptoms, and how they've evolved over time. From there, we run our proprietary neckSMART assessment, upper cervical imaging, posture analysis, and Sway balance and cognitive testing. This gives us objective, measurable data on balance, reaction time, memory, and processing speed, not just a conversation about how you're feeling.

Realign. On Discovery Day, we review your results in detail and begin your first correction using the Atlas Orthogonal instrument, a precise, low-force technique. We follow this with post-correction imaging and red light or infrared therapy to support recovery. Your care plan may also include simple vision and balance exercises, since retraining these systems is often part of feeling steady again. Adjustments continue on a schedule based on your specific findings.

Rise. As symptoms stabilize, we shift toward longer-term monitoring with scheduled re-evaluations to track progress and adjust your plan. We also talk through practical daily habits, hydration, screen time, sleep, and gradual return to activity, that support the nervous system while it continues to recalibrate. If your symptoms suggest something beyond what upper cervical care addresses, or if you haven't yet been evaluated by a physician following your injury, we'll say so directly. Concussion care works best as a team effort, and we regularly coordinate with primary care physicians, neurologists, and other providers involved in your recovery. We also offer complimentary baseline testing for local first responders and athletes through our Wellness Initiative and Sway partnership, establishing a record of cognitive and physical function before an injury occurs, so that if one does happen, there's a clear point of comparison.

The Numbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports millions of traumatic brain injury-related emergency department visits occur in the United States each year, with concussion representing the most common form of mild traumatic brain injury. The CDC also notes that many concussions go unreported, particularly among young athletes. (Source: CDC, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion)

Frequently Asked Questions

‍How long does it typically take to recover from a concussion? Recovery timelines vary significantly from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury, age, history of prior concussions, and other factors. We'll walk you through what your assessment findings suggest for your specific situation.

Do I need a doctor's clearance before starting care here?
If you haven't already been evaluated by a physician following your injury, we recommend that as a first step. We work alongside your medical team throughout your recovery rather than in place of it.

What is baseline testing, and do I need it if I haven't had a concussion?
Baseline testing measures your normal balance, reaction time, memory, and cognitive function before an injury happens. It's especially useful for athletes and first responders, since it gives us a clear comparison point if a concussion occurs later.

My child's scan came back normal. Why do they still have symptoms?
Standard imaging typically doesn't show the functional changes a concussion causes, which is why symptoms can persist even when a scan looks unremarkable. Our assessment looks at balance, cognitive function, and neck involvement specifically.

Is this treatment safe for kids and teen athletes?
Yes, our assessment and care approach is adjusted based on age and activity level. Youth athletes make up a meaningful portion of the concussion patients we see.

What if my symptoms have lasted for months already?
Post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms linger well past the initial injury, is common, and it's a large part of what we specialize in. A thorough assessment can help clarify what's still contributing to your symptoms.

Ready to Get Real Answers?

Whether you're a few days out from an injury or still dealing with symptoms months later, let's get a clear picture of what's going on. Request your first appointment and let's start building a plan around real data.