Dizziness After Concussion: Resetting an Overactive Vestibular System with Dr. Cedrick Noel | E82

Why does dizziness persist after a concussion, even when you're sitting completely still? Chronic dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, motion sensitivity, and disequilibrium are common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury (TBI). But what if the problem isn't simply a weakened vestibular system? What if certain parts of the brain's balance system are actually overactive?

In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Cedrick Noel, a chiropractic neurologist and developer of the Gravity Reset Method, to explore the neurological mechanisms behind persistent dizziness after concussion, vestibular dysfunction, and the relationship between the inner ear, eye movements, balance, and autonomic nervous system. Together, we discuss his method and approach to vestibular rehabilitation and how identifying abnormal patterns of vestibular activity may open new possibilities for individualized concussion rehabilitation.

Why Does Dizziness Persist After Concussion?

The vestibular system does much more than help us maintain balance. It continuously communicates with the brain about head movement, gravity, and our position in space.

Following a concussion, some individuals experience persistent sensations of rocking, swaying, spinning, or being pulled in a particular direction—even when they're not moving.

Dr. Noel explains how the brain normally integrates information from the semicircular canals, otolith organs, visual system, and proprioceptive system to create a stable sense of orientation.

He also introduces an important clinical distinction: Is the vestibular system underactive, or could certain aspects be overactive? Understanding that difference may influence how clinicians approach assessment and rehabilitation.

When the Brain Doesn't Recognize That You've Stopped Moving

One particularly fascinating topic in this conversation is velocity storage, a neurological mechanism that helps the brain process and maintain information about motion.

Normally, when we stop moving, our perception of motion gradually resolves. But when vestibular processing becomes dysregulated, some individuals may continue feeling as though they're turning, drifting, or swaying long after movement has stopped.

Dr. Noel describes how he evaluates these symptoms using clinical observations, balance testing, controlled chair rotations, and video-based eye movement assessments.

The discussion explores how differences in vestibular signaling may contribute to persistent dizziness, difficulty maintaining visual stability, and a sense of being disconnected from one's surroundings.

Can Vestibular Dysfunction Keep the Nervous System in Fight-or-Flight?

Dizziness is rarely the only symptom people experience after concussion. Many individuals also struggle with headaches, neck tension, visual disturbances, nausea, fatigue, sleep problems, and heightened sensitivity to their environment.

Dr. Noel explores the connections between vestibular processing and the autonomic nervous system, particularly the possibility that persistent vestibular disturbances may contribute to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.

He uses a memorable analogy: We spend so much time trying to strengthen the nervous system's brakes that we sometimes forget to take our foot off the gas.

This raises an intriguing question: Could addressing certain vestibular abnormalities also help reduce the physiological stress associated with persistent post-concussion symptoms?

The Gravity Reset Method: A Different Approach to Vestibular Rehabilitation

Dr. Noel developed the Gravity Reset Method through years of clinical work with patients experiencing dizziness, balance disorders, and complex neurological symptoms.

His approach emphasizes the relationship between two components of the vestibular system:

• Semicircular canals, which detect rotational head movements.
• Otolith organs, including the utricle and saccule, which detect gravity and linear acceleration.

Rather than beginning with repetitive head movements or habituation exercises, Dr. Noel describes using carefully directed linear movements, visual fixation, and proprioceptive input to influence how the brain integrates vestibular information.

What If Dizziness Isn't Your Only Symptom?

One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the possibility that vestibular dysfunction may contribute to symptoms patients don't immediately associate with their balance system.

We discuss connections between vestibular processing, eye movements, postural control, muscle tension, and autonomic regulation.

For someone experiencing persistent neck tightness, visual fatigue, headaches, or a constant sense of being off-balance, understanding how these systems interact may reveal important clues about why symptoms continue.

The larger message is that successful concussion rehabilitation requires identifying the specific neurological dysfunction contributing to a person's symptoms—not simply treating every patient with the same exercises.

If you've been struggling with chronic dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or persistent post-concussion symptoms despite previous treatment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at vestibular neuroscience and the importance of individualized neurological assessment.

Learn More About Dr. Cedrick Noel

Brain and Body Rehabilitation Specialists: https://yourbbrs.com

Gravity Reset Method and NEURD Solutions: https://neurdsolutions.com