Condition
Dysautonomia
Specialist care for dizziness, palpitations, faintness and regulation problems after concussion or post concussion syndrome
What you should know about autonomic symptoms after concussion
The autonomic nervous system helps regulate automatic body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, temperature regulation and the body’s response to standing up or physical activity.
After a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, some people experience symptoms that suggest the autonomic nervous system is not regulating these functions as well as it should. This may include dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations, unusual blood pressure responses, weakness, restlessness, exercise intolerance or feeling faint when standing up.
At Amsterdam Brain Center, we focus on dysautonomia-related symptoms when they occur in the context of concussion, post-concussion syndrome or persistent symptoms after head or neck trauma. We do not provide general treatment for all forms of dysautonomia.
How we approach dysautonomia-related symptoms after concussion
Autonomic symptoms after concussion or PCS may be related to changes in how the nervous system processes body signals and regulates responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, balance and tolerance to activity.
At Amsterdam Brain Center, we start with a Functional Neurological Examination and, where appropriate, autonomic testing. This helps us assess which functions may be involved in your symptoms and whether our treatment approach may be suitable.
If treatment is recommended, we create a personalised treatment plan. During the intensive treatment week, we use a combination of non-invasive therapies and exercises aimed at supporting autonomic regulation, balance, breathing, sensory processing and tolerance to physical activity.
Your road to recovery
One week of intensive treatment
Step 1
The Functional Neurological Examination (FNE)
You share your symptoms with us, prompting us to ask relevant questions and conduct a thorough Neurological Examination. This process allows us to assess whether our treatment is well-suited to your needs.
Step 2
Advanced Machine Testing (quantification)
Based on Step 1, we determine what tests are necessary to quantify the underlying cause of the symptoms. To do this, we use a range of computer-controlled equipment.
Step 3
Rehabilitation week (in 5 days)
We address the problems. Through an individual program specifically tailored to your problems, we bring back function during an intensive week of treatment.
Step 4
Aftercare
After the 5-day intensive treatment week, we will give you homework assignments. These are exercises that further promote your recovery. We are happy to keep an eye on these developments with you.
What do we expect from you during treatment?
Our treatment for dysautonomia-related symptoms after concussion or PCS is designed as an intensive one-week programme. This means that the treatment is not spread out over several separate sessions, but offered during a full week with a range of different therapies and exercises.
Within this intensive programme, we use assessments, training and targeted therapies to support the functions involved in your symptoms and help improve the way your nervous system regulates autonomic responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, balance and tolerance to activity.
Because the structure and intensity of the programme are important parts of our approach, we do not offer this treatment in separate phases. If you want to work seriously and sustainably on your recovery, we ask you to reserve a full week for treatment.
We will explain beforehand what this involves, so you know what to expect.
We understand that you may still have questions after reading the information on our website.
For further details, kindly contact our clinic. You will be connected with one of our dedicated assistants.