A concussion may seem like a short-term injury, but for many people, symptoms linger long after the initial event. This condition is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and it can affect daily life for months or even years.
Common symptoms include headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, mood changes, and disrupted sleep. Traditional treatments often focus on rest and symptom management, but patients are left searching for solutions that actually help the brain heal.
BrainCore Therapy, a form of neurofeedback, offers a non-invasive way to retrain the brain after concussion and restore balance. By leveraging the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself — neuroplasticity — BrainCore helps patients regain cognitive function, emotional stability, and quality of life.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
PCS refers to a collection of symptoms that persist beyond the typical recovery period following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While most concussions resolve within 2–4 weeks, about 10–20% of people develop ongoing symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Memory and concentration problems
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
PCS is not just a structural issue — it reflects functional dysregulation of the brain’s networks and electrical activity. That’s why neurofeedback can be so effective.
The Brainwave Connection
Brainwave activity often changes after a concussion:
- Excessive slow-wave activity (delta/theta): Leads to brain fog, fatigue, and poor concentration.
- Suppressed alpha waves: Disrupts calm focus and sensory integration.
- Imbalanced beta activity: Can fuel anxiety, irritability, and difficulty with sleep.
BrainCore Therapy directly trains these dysregulated patterns, teaching the brain to self-regulate and restore healthy function.
How BrainCore Therapy Works
BrainCore is a form of EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback):
- A qEEG brain map identifies patterns of dysregulation linked to PCS symptoms.
- Sensors measure brain activity in real time.
- Patients receive audio or visual feedback — like a movie playing or a game moving forward — when their brainwaves shift in the desired direction.
- Over repeated sessions, the brain “learns” to produce healthier patterns.
This process utilizes operant conditioning and neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and repair itself naturally.
What the Research Says
Neurofeedback has been studied as a therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PCS with promising results:
- A study in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience reported significant improvements in attention, memory, and executive function in TBI patients undergoing neurofeedback.
- Research in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2017) showed neurofeedback improved cognitive performance and emotional regulation after mild TBI.
- A pilot study on PCS patients found reductions in headaches, sleep problems, and mood disturbances after neurofeedback training.
- Military veterans with TBI and PTSD have also shown marked improvement in symptoms using neurofeedback interventions.
While more large-scale trials are needed, current evidence supports neurofeedback as a safe, non-drug option for PCS recovery.
Myths vs Truths About BrainCore and PCS
Myth #1: Concussions heal fully with time, so no intervention is needed.
Truth: Many patients experience lingering PCS symptoms for months or years. Neurofeedback can accelerate functional recovery.
Myth #2: Neurofeedback is experimental and unproven.
Truth: Neurofeedback has been studied for over 40 years, with strong evidence for ADHD, anxiety, and TBI-related conditions.
Myth #3: BrainCore Therapy “zaps” the brain.
Truth: BrainCore is entirely non-invasive. Sensors only measure brain activity — no current is sent into the brain.
Myth #4: Medication is the only option for PCS.
Truth: Drugs may reduce symptoms temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying dysregulation. BrainCore retrains the brain for lasting change.
Patient Case Examples
A 16-year-old high school athlete experienced ongoing headaches and concentration issues months after a soccer concussion. Brain mapping revealed excessive theta activity. After 25 BrainCore sessions, her headaches subsided, and she was able to keep up with schoolwork again.
A 35-year-old man suffered a concussion in a car accident. He struggled with irritability, fatigue, and memory lapses. Neurofeedback training improved his emotional regulation, sleep quality, and cognitive clarity within three months.
A 50-year-old woman slipped and fell, developing PCS with daily dizziness and brain fog. BrainCore sessions targeting alpha and beta activity helped her regain balance and reduce fogginess, improving her ability to return to work.
Practical Tips for Concussion Recovery
Alongside BrainCore Therapy, lifestyle habits support brain healing:
- Prioritize sleep. Rest is critical for neuroplasticity and brain repair.
- Stay hydrated. Adequate water intake supports blood flow and healing.
- Eat brain-friendly foods. Omega-3s, antioxidants, and nutrient-rich whole foods promote recovery.
- Limit screen time. Reduce digital strain to prevent overstimulation.
- Incorporate gentle movement. Walking, stretching, and balance exercises aid recovery when approved by a provider.
- Manage stress—relaxation techniques lower cortisol, which can worsen PCS symptoms.
How Balance Atlanta Helps PCS Patients
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we provide a comprehensive, integrative approach to post-concussion recovery:
- qEEG Brain Mapping to identify dysregulated brainwave patterns.
- BrainCore Therapy to retrain the brain for optimal function.
- Chiropractic care to reduce musculoskeletal stress and support nervous system balance.
- Functional medicine testing to assess inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances that may slow recovery.
- Lifestyle coaching to guide sleep, nutrition, and stress resilience strategies.
By addressing the structural, biochemical, and neurological aspects of recovery, we help PCS patients move beyond symptom management and achieve true healing.
Take control of your recovery and achieve lasting healing—schedule your consultation at Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic today and start your journey to full post-concussion recovery!
FAQs
- How many BrainCore sessions are needed for PCS?
Most patients complete 20 to 40 sessions. Some notice improvements within the first 8–10 sessions. - Is BrainCore safe after a concussion?
Yes. BrainCore is non-invasive and safe. It supports natural neuroplasticity without drugs or electrical stimulation. - Can BrainCore replace other therapies?
It often complements physical therapy, counseling, or medical care. Together, these therapies create a more complete recovery plan. - Do results last?
Yes. Because BrainCore retrains the brain, improvements often persist for months or years. Occasional “booster” sessions may help. - 5. Can children and teens use BrainCore after a concussion?
Absolutely. BrainCore is safe and effective for pediatric and adolescent patients struggling with PCS symptoms.