When it comes to concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the real challenge often begins after the ER visit. Symptoms like insomnia, vertigo, mood swings, and unexplained fatigue may not show up right away—and when they do, many survivors feel confused, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed.
On a recent episode of Mind Matters: Navigating Head Injuries and Concussions, I sat down with Dr. Devon Gaston, board-certified functional neurologist and founder of Passport to Health, to dig into the complex—and often overlooked—world of post-TBI symptoms. And what we uncovered could change how you think about brain injuries entirely.
Your Brain’s Internal Clock Could Be Broken
One of the biggest revelations Dr. Gaston shared was the high frequency of circadian rhythm disturbances in TBI patients. In plain terms: your brain’s internal clock often gets scrambled after an injury.
If you’re waking up at 3:00 AM, feeling nauseous in bed, or just can’t seem to get restful sleep, your brain may be missing critical signals about posture, balance, and time of day.
Some practical tips Dr. Gaston shared:
- Prop up your head at a 45° angle to reduce vertigo-related nausea.
- Avoid screens at night—blue light literally tells your brain to stay awake.
- Eat healthy fats (like half an avocado) before bed to prevent blood sugar crashes and adrenaline spikes.
- Supplement with magnesium—especially forms like magnesium L-threonate—to calm overstimulated brain circuits.
Dizziness Isn’t “Just in Your Head”
At Shane Smith Law, many of our clients describe a lingering feeling of dizziness or “brain fog” after a wreck. Dr. Gaston explained this can stem from two very different root causes:
- Peripheral Vertigo – linked to the inner ear; often treatable with maneuvers like Epley.
- Central Dizziness – originating in the brain; far more complex and often misdiagnosed.
She uses advanced tools like digital force plate testing to evaluate posture and balance, and emphasized that eye movement is one of the clearest diagnostic clues.
💡 If you’re still dizzy after weeks of care—or you’ve been told to “just wait it out”—you may be on the wrong treatment path. As Dr. Gaston said:
“If you’re doing Epley maneuvers 10 times and it’s not helping… it’s not the crystals.”
The Real Problem: The System Often Misses It
Shockingly, in a large 2020 study of ER visits for vertigo, doctors only correctly identified benign causes 60% of the time—and missed potentially life-threatening central causes in 70% of cases.
Dr. Gaston has personally helped save multiple lives after patients were told their brain scans were “clear.”
“I’ve had people go in and they just do neck X-rays—not even brain imaging. So we order SPECT scans, we check for hormone imbalances, and we educate our patients. Because they deserve answers.”
Unfortunately, access to proper neurological care is still a huge issue, especially in regions like Georgia and the Carolinas. Many of our clients have had to travel out of state just to get a proper diagnosis.
It Takes a Village—But You’re Not Alone
Dr. Gaston closed with a powerful reminder: recovery is possible—but it requires a community of support. Patients, families, providers, and yes, law firms must work together to connect the dots and advocate for the right care.
She even called for more family counseling and interdisciplinary care, pointing out the ripple effects brain injuries have on relationships, work, and long-term mental health.
At Shane Smith Law, our legal nurse consultant helps ensure nothing gets missed—and that clients get routed to providers who know what they’re doing.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one is dealing with symptoms after a head injury—especially sleep problems, dizziness, or unexplained anxiety—don’t ignore it. Don’t settle for being told “everything looks fine” when you know something’s wrong.
Functional neurology offers real hope, and the tide is shifting as awareness grows. But until the system catches up, you need someone in your corner.
🧠 Ready to talk about your case or need help finding the right provider?
In pain, call Shane! 980-999-9999
We’ll help you find answers—and fight for the care and compensation you deserve.
📍 Want to learn more about Dr. Devon Gaston and her work? Visit passport2health.co
🎧 And don’t forget to subscribe to the Mind Matters podcast for more deep dives into brain injury recovery.
