Vertigo & Vestibular

Vestibular Dysfunction After Concussion or Whiplash

Balance and motion symptoms persisting after head or neck trauma.

After trauma, the vestibular system, eye movement control, and neck position sense can all be affected, sometimes together, producing a combination of dizziness, unsteadiness, and visual discomfort.

Because several systems may be involved at once, evaluation looks at each individually rather than assuming a single cause for all the symptoms.

Why this matters

Busy visual environments — supermarkets, traffic, and scrolling on a phone — are commonly the hardest situations for people recovering from this kind of trauma, even when standing still feels fine.

Naming these specific triggers helps clarify what is actually happening and supports a more targeted plan for recovery.

The brain & nervous-system connection

Where the nervous system fits in

Where the vestibular system, eyes, and neck disagree with each other, the brain has a harder integration task, and symptoms like dizziness or visual discomfort follow.

Evaluation looks at how these systems are working individually and together, in coordination with any vestibular or medical specialists already involved.

What we look at

We look for patterns, not a single test

  • Detailed health history and consultation
  • NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
  • Posture and movement
  • Balance and coordination testing
  • Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
  • Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
  • Palpation and spinal function
  • Other examination procedures based on the individual

Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.

Scope of care

What this does — and doesn't — mean

What we do

  • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
  • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
  • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
  • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
  • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.

What we don't claim

  • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
  • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
  • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.

This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.

Common questions

Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
Do I need imaging before I come in?
Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.

When medical evaluation may be needed

Post-traumatic vestibular symptoms should be medically evaluated; co-management is often appropriate.

  • Worsening dizziness or new neurological symptoms
  • Significant hearing changes
  • Symptoms that are worsening rather than gradually improving

Related at Foothills Chiropractic

  • Balance & CoordinationBalance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
  • Ankle InstabilityA repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
  • Atlantoaxial InstabilityExcessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
  • Auto Accident InjuryMusculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.

Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?

Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.

CALLSTART HERE