Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Expert care for Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury at Gentle Care Chiropractic in West Linn, Oregon.
Understanding Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Also known as: mTBI, Car Accident Concussion, Brain Injury from Whiplash, Post-Traumatic Concussion Here is the single most important thing to know about concussion after a car accident: you do NOT need to hit your head to sustain a concussion. The rotational and coup-contrecoup forces of a whiplash-type MVA are sufficient on their own to produce neurometabolic disruption. Many post-MVA concussions are missed because patients assume "no head impact, no concussion", but the brain moves inside the skull whether or not the skull was struck. The brain does not have pain receptors, so a concussion rarely announces itself with obvious brain-type symptoms.
Instead, you notice the downstream effects. Concussion symptoms cluster in four domains. Somatic: headache, nausea, dizziness, light sensitivity (photophobia), noise sensitivity (phonophobia), and balance trouble. Cognitive: brain fog, slowed thinking, trouble concentrating, memory lapses.
Emotional: irritability, anxiety, depression, emotional lability. Sleep: insomnia, hypersomnia, or fragmented sleep. Symptoms may begin immediately or emerge over 24-72 hours. Many patients describe feeling "not quite right", subtly different in their thinking, mood, or tolerance for stimulation since the crash.
Modern concussion care is active, not rest-only. After a brief 24-48 hour relative rest period, we guide you through graded return-to-activity. Evidence (particularly the landmark Schneider 2014 BJSM study) supports cervicovestibular therapy for persistent post-concussive symptoms. We guide sub-symptom-threshold aerobic exercise using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test protocol, target cervicogenic headache and vestibular/oculomotor dysfunction using VOMS-guided protocols, and document symptom burden with standardized tools (SCAT, PCSS) at every visit.
We coordinate with neurology, neuro-optometry, and primary care. About 80-90% of adults recover in 7-14 days with appropriate management. We may recommend: Activator, cervicovestibular therapy, VOMS-guided protocol, Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test protocol, vestibular rehabilitation, low-level laser, corrective exercise Seek immediate care if: You experience worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, one pupil larger than the other, slurred speech, extreme drowsiness, confusion, or weakness on one side: these may indicate intracranial bleeding requiring emergency imaging.
How We Can Help
At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we take a multi-disciplinary approach, addressing the root cause of your condition, not just the symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal and joint corrections to restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce pain. Manual or instrument-assisted based on your needs.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage releases muscle tension, improves circulation to injured tissue, and works synergistically with adjustments for faster recovery.
Physical Rehabilitation
Customized exercise programs strengthen supporting muscles, restore range of motion, and help prevent future flare-ups.
Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy uses targeted light wavelengths to stimulate cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve deep tissue pain without heat or discomfort.
Electrical Stimulation
E-stim therapy reduces pain and muscle spasm, improves circulation, and supports the healing process. Especially effective for acute injuries.
Personalized Care Plan
Every patient is different. We combine these therapies in a plan tailored to your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle for the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, answered by our team.
Do I need to hit my head to get a concussion in a car accident?
No — and this is one of the most important things to understand. The rotational and coup-contrecoup forces of a whiplash-type crash can cause neurometabolic disruption even without any direct head impact. Your brain moves inside the skull during rapid acceleration-deceleration, and that movement is what produces the injury. Many post-MVA concussions are missed precisely because the patient assumes "no hit, no concussion."
How long does a concussion take to heal after a car accident?
About 80-90% of adults recover within 7-14 days with appropriate active management. That said, recovery isn't always linear, and some people — particularly those with prior concussions, migraines, or a history of anxiety — take four to six weeks or longer. If symptoms persist beyond 14 days in adults, we start thinking about persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), which is a different clinical picture requiring a more targeted approach.
Is rest the right treatment for a concussion — should I just stay in a dark room?
The old "dark room, complete rest" approach has been largely replaced by evidence supporting active recovery. A brief 24-48 hour relative rest period is appropriate, but after that, graded return-to-activity — guided carefully so you stay below the threshold that spikes symptoms — actually speeds recovery. Prolonged isolation and inactivity can worsen mood, sleep, and overall recovery trajectory.
My concussion symptoms started a day or two after the accident — is that normal?
Very normal. Concussion symptoms frequently emerge 24-72 hours after an MVA as neurometabolic changes evolve and inflammation builds. Some patients describe feeling "off" or "not quite right" before a full symptom picture develops. Delayed onset does not mean the concussion is mild or unrelated to the crash — it reflects the expected biology of this injury.
What's the difference between a concussion symptom and a whiplash symptom?
There's significant overlap, which is exactly why post-MVA concussions are often underdiagnosed. Headache, dizziness, and neck pain appear in both. What points more specifically toward concussion is cognitive involvement — brain fog, slowed processing, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating — along with emotional lability, sleep disruption, and heightened sensitivity to light and noise. In many patients, both are present simultaneously and both need to be addressed.
Ready to Find Relief?
You don't have to live with Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Our team at Gentle Care Chiropractic is here to help you recover and get back to doing what you love.