The holidays are supposed to be full of joy — sparkling lights, familiar carols, and time with the people we love. But for individuals recovering from a brain injury, this season can bring more strain than comfort.

Thanksgiving is a time for comfort, connection, and a table full of foods we look forward to all year long. But along with the warmth of the holiday often comes something a little less festive: the mid-afternoon slump, the heavy, foggy feeling after a big plate, or the need to lie down on the couch because your brain feels as tired as your stomach.

Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or as if the room is spinning can be unsettling — especially when it happens often. Balance problems can come from a variety of sources, but two of the most common are neurological dysfunction and inner ear (vestibular) issues. Understanding how these systems interact helps reveal why dizziness and imbalance occur — and how to treat them effectively.

After a concussion, most people expect their symptoms to fade within a couple of weeks. For many, they do. But for some, the dizziness, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue never seem to fully go away. This lingering collection of symptoms is known as Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS) — and it can deeply affect daily life.