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June 2, 2026
If you have ever experienced dizziness, nausea, or difficulty balancing after a head injury, you may be dealing with something called vestibular concussion. It is one of the more misunderstood types of concussion, and many people do not realize that physiotherapy can play a significant role in recovery. Here is what you need to know.
What Is a Vestibular Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. When the vestibular system, the part of your inner ear and brain responsible for balance and spatial orientation, is affected by that injury, it is referred to as a vestibular concussion. Vestibular dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is more common than many people realize, and the symptoms can be wide-ranging.
Unlike a standard concussion, where the primary symptoms may be headaches or cognitive fog, vestibular concussion symptoms tend to centre around the body’s sense of balance and movement. Common symptoms include dizziness and vertigo, difficulty with balance and coordination, nausea triggered by movement, sensitivity to busy visual environments, feeling unsteady when walking, and difficulty focusing the eyes, especially during movement. These symptoms can be debilitating and often linger long after the initial injury if left untreated.
What Causes Vestibular Dysfunction Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)?
Vestibular concussions can result from sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, falls, or any impact that causes the head to move rapidly. Even a seemingly minor bump can be enough to disrupt the vestibular system.
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Vestibular Concussions?
This is where physiotherapy makes a real difference. At MotionHeal, our physiotherapists are trained in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), a specialized and evidence-based approach to treating vestibular dysfunction and post-concussion symptoms. Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include the following:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises – Retrains the eyes and brain to work together during movement, reducing dizziness and visual disturbances.
- Balance Retraining – Progressively challenges your balance system in a safe and controlled way to rebuild stability and coordination.
- Canalith Repositioning (Epley Maneuver) – Used when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced (BPPV), this technique gently guides them back into the correct position to relieve vertigo.
- Gradual Return to Activity – Your physiotherapist will safely reintroduce physical and cognitive activity at a pace that supports healing without triggering setbacks.
- Manual Therapy and Postural Work – Addresses neck stiffness and tension that commonly accompany concussion injuries and contribute to headaches and dizziness.
Vestibular Dysfunction vs Regular Concussion: What Is the Difference?
While all vestibular concussions are concussions, not all concussions affect the vestibular system. A regular concussion typically presents with symptoms like headaches, brain fog, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light or noise. These symptoms are related to general brain function being temporarily disrupted.
A vestibular concussion shares some of those symptoms but also involves the part of the brain and inner ear responsible for balance and spatial awareness. This means on top of typical concussion symptoms, you may also experience dizziness, vertigo, nausea triggered by movement, difficulty with coordination, and visual disturbances. Post-concussion vestibular dysfunction in particular is often missed or misdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with other conditions, making proper assessment by a trained physiotherapist all the more important.
How Long Does Vestibular Concussion Recovery Take?
Recovery looks different for everyone and depends on factors like the severity of the injury, how quickly treatment is started, and your overall health. Many people begin to see improvement within a few weeks of starting vestibular rehabilitation therapy. However, for some, symptoms can persist for several months, particularly if the injury went untreated for a period of time.
The good news is that with the right treatment plan, most people make a full or near-full recovery. Early intervention is one of the most important factors in a faster outcome, which is why seeking assessment as soon as symptoms appear is strongly encouraged. At MotionHeal, we will work with you at every stage of your recovery to ensure you are progressing safely and effectively.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you are experiencing any vestibular symptoms following a head injury, it is important not to wait and hope they resolve on their own. Early intervention leads to faster and more complete recovery. Symptoms that persist beyond a few weeks are a clear sign that professional assessment is needed.
Your Path to Recovery from Vestibular Concussion Starts at MotionHeal
At MotionHeal Physiotherapy and Massage in SW Calgary, our team provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for post-concussion vestibular dysfunction and related conditions. We take a personalized approach, combining vestibular rehabilitation with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and adjunct treatments to support your full recovery. Whether your injury happened recently or you have been managing symptoms for months, it is never too late to seek support.
Ready to take the first step? Book your physiotherapy assessment today and let us help you move, feel, and heal.
