Management of Vestibular Symptoms in Sports-Related Concussion

Vestibular symptoms are common after sports-related concussion and predict slower recovery and delayed return to play. This review provides a practical, clinical profile-guided approach for clinicians. Early screening focuses on Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screen, timed tandem gait, and positional testing for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists and vestibular specialists should be aware that a symptom-profile-guided approach to vestibular rehabilitation is recommended for sports-related concussion, and that vestibular presentations signal a higher-risk recovery trajectory warranting closer monitoring.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Vestibular symptoms are among the most debilitating and recovery-prolonging consequences of sports concussion, making targeted assessment and rehabilitation a critical skill for audiologists and vestibular specialists working in sports medicine settings.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Vestibular symptoms following sports-related concussion predict slower overall recovery and delayed return-to-play.
02A clinical profile-guided approach — matching treatment to each patient's symptom pattern — is recommended over a one-size-fits-all protocol.
03The review is a clinical narrative covering assessment and management strategies for post-concussion vestibular dysfunction.
04Close collaboration between clinicians (including audiologists and physical therapists) is implied for optimal outcomes.
05Published in Neurologic Clinics, indicating peer-reviewed, specialist-level guidance.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Vestibular symptoms following sports-related concussion predict slower recovery and delayed return to play.

studypartially supported

Clinical profile-guided approaches improve management of vestibular symptoms in sports-related concussion.

opinionpartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42379670
DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2026.03.008.
Journal: Neurologic Clinics
Publication type: review
Evidence level: 5
Population: Athletes with sports-related concussion presenting with vestibular symptoms
Intervention: Clinical profile-guided vestibular symptom management strategies

Primary outcomes

Vestibular symptom management outcomes; Recovery trajectory and return-to-play timing

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