Why Do I Still Get Headaches Weeks After a Concussion?

You’ve rested, followed your doctor’s advice, and tried to get back to your routine—but the headaches just won’t stop. If you’re still dealing with headaches weeks (or even months) after a concussion, you’re not alone. Many people in Colorado and Florida experience lingering symptoms long after the initial injury, wondering if something’s wrong or if their brain simply needs more time.

At Plasticity Brain Centers, we specialize in helping people recover from concussions and complex neurological injuries. Let’s break down why these headaches linger and what you can do about them.

Understanding What Happens During a Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow, jolt, or sudden movement that forces the brain to move within the skull. This rapid motion can stretch or damage brain cells, disrupt communication pathways, and cause chemical changes that affect how your brain functions.

Even though the injury might not appear on a standard MRI or CT scan, the disruption in brain networks can lead to ongoing symptoms—especially headaches.

Why Headaches Persist After a Concussion

There are several potential reasons why your headaches haven’t gone away yet:

1. Incomplete Brain Recovery

The brain’s healing process takes time. After a concussion, certain areas of the brain may still be struggling to communicate efficiently. This “neurological traffic jam” can cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

2. Neck and Cervical Spine Involvement

Many post-concussion headaches actually originate from the neck (cervicogenic headaches). When your head snaps forward or backward during an impact, small muscles and joints in the neck can become strained or misaligned—triggering pain that radiates into the head.

3. Visual and Vestibular Dysfunction

Your brain’s visual and balance systems (called the vestibular system) can be affected by a concussion. When these systems aren’t properly synchronized, your brain has to work overtime just to keep you balanced or focused. That extra effort can easily lead to headaches.

4. Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance

The autonomic nervous system (which regulates things like blood pressure, heart rate, and stress responses) often becomes dysregulated after a concussion. This can lead to increased sensitivity to light, noise, or stress—all common headache triggers.

5. Undiagnosed Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

If symptoms persist beyond three weeks, you may be experiencing Post-Concussion Syndrome. This condition involves ongoing headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and emotional changes caused by disrupted brain networks that need targeted rehabilitation to fully recover.

Common Symptoms That Accompany Post-Concussion Headaches

If your headaches are related to a concussion, you might also experience:

• Light or sound sensitivity

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Nausea

• Difficulty focusing or reading

• Memory problems

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Mood swings or irritability

These symptoms are signs that your brain is still under stress and not functioning at its optimal level.

Why Rest Isn’t Always Enough

You’ve probably been told to “rest and wait it out.” While rest is important in the early days following a concussion, prolonged rest without the right type of neurological rehabilitation can actually slow recovery.

The brain thrives on specific, targeted stimulation—the kind that retrains pathways and helps it reconnect properly. Without that, your symptoms can linger indefinitely.

Living with Post-Concussion Headaches in Colorado and Florida

Environmental and lifestyle factors can also play a role in your recovery.

• In Colorado, the higher altitude and drier air can sometimes intensify dehydration and headaches. Staying hydrated and maintaining stable oxygen levels is key.

• In Florida, humidity and heat can impact your body’s stress response and fatigue, making symptom management equally important.

Our team understands these regional differences and can tailor your recovery plan accordingly.

When to Seek Help

If it’s been more than two weeks since your concussion and you’re still experiencing:

• Persistent headaches

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Sensitivity to light or noise

…it’s time to get evaluated by specialists who understand the brain’s complex recovery process.

The Path to Healing Starts Here

You don’t have to live with ongoing headaches after a concussion. The right care can help you retrain your brain, reduce your pain, and regain your quality of life.

At Plasticity Brain Centers, we’ve helped countless individuals—from athletes to accident survivors—recover from post-concussion symptoms through customized, science-based therapies. Whether you’re in Colorado, Florida, or traveling from elsewhere, our team is here to guide you toward lasting relief.

Take the Next Step

👉 Contact Plasticity Brain Centers today to schedule your functional neurological evaluation and learn how our innovative treatments can help your brain finally heal.

Your recovery isn’t over—this is where it begins.